April 30, 2008
Goody Bags and April CONTEST!
One of the fun things that we did at the Fling was to have everyone sign a 6 ft. tall Sock Blocker for Loopy Central. (I did get some funny looks as I was carrying this big “sock” through the hotel. Some guy accused me of being a Red Sox fan, FPS!) I found the perfect place to hang it in our foyer, so that we can remember all of the fun people who were here for our first Spring Fling. (I photoed it with the door in the picture so that you Flingers would be able to picture where it is, now that you’ve been here in person.) I wonder how many of these will fit on the walls here? I guess when we’re out of wall space, we’ll stop having Flings? (Or move. Yeah, that’s a better idea. We’ll move and get more wall space.) Now I get to walk by the Big Blocker every morning, and think of all of you as I start work! It’s very handy to have a hubby who can make such things. 
Here is a picture of the Goody Bags that we gave to everyone when they checked in. It includes the red/black backpack (which I liked a lot because it has pockets and straps and is designed vertically instead of being a horizontal carrying bag). Inside was a skein of Wollmeise which Claudia dyed up for me just for the Spring Fling. (This is the first time she has done more muted colors – it almost looks like a watercolor painting of meadows and sea – which makes it a very special colorway, indeed.) We also included a pattern and samples from Cherry Tree Hill and Claudia Hand Painted (enough to make some sock blocker keychains or mini socks), some wonderful “Everything Balm” from Goodies Unlimited, a brand new pattern from Wendy and one from Cookie A (along with my favorite new heavy vinyl “pattern holder” – I use these all the time when I knit), a Loopy Ewe coffee mug (no, we can’t sell them because we don’t want to ship them, but they were perfect for giving away in person!) and of course some Loopy Kisses. We had a great time putting these together for everyone. And now, you have a chance to win one! Remember when I told you about April’s blog contest and gave you all month to do three random acts of kindness? Today is the day to report in and leave your comments as to what you found to do for others this month! You need to have done three RAKs to be entered into the random drawing, and I will draw the name a week from today. If we have a lot of entries, I’m happy to draw for 2 or 3 Goodie Bags. We love giving away prizes. So leave a comment with your RAKs and inspire all the rest of us to get out there and do the same!
No Sneak Up this week, but we have wonderful things in store for you next week. All of the shirts, hats, and sweatshirts will go up. (Don’t worry – we ordered a lot and still have multiplies in all sizes. The Flingers didn’t clear us out!) We also have more Pattern Tamers, a fun Loopy Necklace, Lawre’s Laine BigBags (ohsogorgeous), Duets, Schaefer Anne, Yarn Love, Seawool Fiber Roving from Creatively Dyed, Cashmere Sock Yarn from Perchance to Knit, and possibly (depending on how much time we have to get photos done) two new indie dyers – Beyond Basic Knits and Enchanted Knoll Farms.
Guess what? It’s time to Take Loopy on Vacation again! He had such a wonderful mix of adventures last summer and he has been bugging us about it all winter long. He’s ready to go again! Beginning with orders placed on May 1st, we’ll be including a Loopy Postcard in your order while supplies last. (We will plan to send one postcard with your first order in May. If for some reason you need a second postcard with your next May order, just leave us an order note.) I know that a lot of you have your very own Little Loopy, and it’s perfectly acceptable to pose and photo Little Loopy on your vacation, instead of the postcards. We’ll leave it up to you as to which you prefer. We’ll start a new ‘08 edition of Loopy’s Summer Photo Gallery next week so that you can start sharing his adventures. We will have prizes at the end of the summer again, and will have you vote in several categories, so get photo-ing. Last year we had prizes for: Best faraway place that Loopy visited, most famous person that he met, most creative photo with Loopy, and most unusual place he visited. If you have any more fun ideas for additional categories, email me and I’ll share them on a future blog post.
Winners of the Q1-08 Challenge – for “randomly drawn from all entries” the winner is: Juli’s skirt. For the Reader’s Choice award from those who voted: Jennifer’s Venezia. Each wins a $25 gift certificate to The Loopy Ewe. Congratulations to you both! Don’t forget our Q2-08 Challenge that runs between now and the end of June.
I had an email from Claudia this morning and she has arrived safely back in Germany. Her family is glad to have her back, but I miss her!
Sheri stillwaaaaybehindonemailsbutIpromiseI’mpluggingawayonthem!
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Debbie M said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:19 am
1. I left a box of Kleenex on a co-worker’s desk anonymously. (She had a cold)
2. I took a meal to a friend going thru chemo. (she wasn’t expecting it)
3. I paid for the person behind me at the Arby’s drive-thru.
Amy said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:23 am
Well, I don’t see anything wrong for being mistaken for a Red Sox fan, lol… : ) I’m so glad Claudia has made it back safe and sound – it was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet her in person.
And, congrats to the 1Q 2008 winners! I’m not planning to enter the RAK contest since I already have a nice goody bag. But, I’ll look forward to reading all the entries. : )
Is it bad that I am already looking forward to the next Sneak-Up? I am totally regretting not picking up a sweatshirt. And more Duets?? What’s a girl to do?!
Karen in Toledo said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:23 am
I left get-well goodies on the doorstep of a sick neighbor.
I took a carton of ice cream to a friend having a tough time, and shared it with her.
I bought lunch for a police officer who was at McDonald’s at the same time I was one day.
trek said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:24 am
Aw, wish I’d been there – love the backpack!
Katie at Yarn Love said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:28 am
I love the sock blocker – it’s great! I totally agree about the wall space…more flings and a bigger space!
Nancy said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:30 am
Three random acts of kindness:
1. I phoned my mother’s best friend who is 85 (my mom passed away 1 1/2 years ago) and made a date to visit a quilt show and we went last Saturday.
2. My nephew was awarded a design apprenticeship at Iowa State, so I sent him a congratulations card, note, and some pocket money to celebrate.
3. I knitted my 27 year old son a pair of warm socks and he loves them!
Meridith said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:33 am
Oh, it looks like you all had so much fun!!
1. sent what paypal I had to an online friend in great need of it.
2. stuck a few extra ounces of nice roving into the box for the woman that bought my drop spindle. and rather than domestic wool, sent pretty dyed merino and corriedale.
3. spun up over a pound of gray jacob wool that is now going to turn into a lacy prairie shawl for one of my very dear friends who has helped me through some tough spots in the last year. (does that one count, even though the shawl isn’t knitted yet?)
if that last one doesn’t count, I parted with my very favorite skein of sock yarn when someone on Ravelry asked about it. hee hee!
Now to wait eagerly for the next sock club payment notice and shipment!! I’m going through Loopy withdrawals these days!
Meredith said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:33 am
There are worse things to be accused of than being a Red Sox fan (she says with a smile and a wink because she is a Red Sox fan in Massachusetts)! Looks like you all had a grand time at your Fling!
Claire said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:33 am
Glad you had such a great time with Spring Fling ladies! Here are my three April good deeds.
1. I bought my three lady friends each a surprise gift from the spa (slippers and eye soothers) just for being themselves when we had a fun girlie weekend together and to thank them for such a good time. It was at the end of the weekend when we were waiting to checkout and they were so surprised and thankful.
2. I sent a book and ball of yarn with some homemade bookmarks that I painted to an internet friend and she doesn’t know… heehee… she will get it in the mail soon.
3. I gave an entire set of antique books to our mail lady and her husband because he is an aspiring author, retired from the police force, and collects antique books. He just about died on the spot. But I know he will take care of them and can use them in his research. He is a book lover and so am I, and it felt really good to share. (My mail lady visits our house a lot with yarn from the Loopy Ewe!!)
Suellen said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:35 am
Three random acts of kindness:
1. I sent money anonymously to a friend who’s mother died. I knew they were having trouble making expenses, but I also knew she wouldn’t take the money.
2. I sent homemade soup and bread, plus a jar of homemade jam, over to my neighbor after she came home from having surgery.
3. I knit a shawl for my best friend’s mom, who is having health problems.
Love the sock blocker!!!
Karen said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:35 am
There’s nothing wrong with being a Red Sox fan! But try being that Red Sox fan and living in New York City.
Bonney said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:37 am
1. Took a ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ goodie basket to the new from-the-shelter dog next door.
2. Rounded up some towels to take to the humane society.
3. Reminded 3 people that don’t use their front doors that it was time to take down the brown Christmas wreath!
Rachel said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:39 am
Oh, that special wollmeise colorway is so beautiful!
I love the big red sock.
Here are my acts of kindness:
1. I donated money to a pet shelter.
2. I made some socks for a friend who saw me knitting socks for myself months ago, and was amazed. She’d never heard of handknit socks before and was enthralled. I can’t wait to give them to her!
3. I made a sweater for a friend’s baby.
Marie said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:41 am
My 3 random acts of kindness
1. I went through my books and donated some to an elderly woman who will in turn pass them on to her friends; and
2. Took a yarn field trip with a friend whose husband has some severe medical issues so that she got out of the house and increased her stash; and
3. Donated to several worthy causes both in goods and with money.
Sounds like everyone had a great time – hopefully next time I’ll be able to attend.
Kim B. said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:47 am
My three random acts of kindness are:
1- Knitting two more hats for the children at the South Dakota Indian reservation.
2- Helping a new widow in the neighborhood figure out how to light and use her gas grill. She is no longer fearful of it.
3 – Staying with a friend at the vet (ran into her in the lobby) who was nervous about test results for her dog.
Thanks for your contests!
Chris said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:47 am
This month I left a copy of the new Knit 1 in the mailbox of a home which has a teenage knitter in my neighbourhood, bought some Body Shop gift cards for some special care workers at my mom’s nursing home and i spent 3 weekends helping 5 students prepare for their university finals -3 in one course ,1 in one and one in another (nothing like a last mnute panic call)-Ithey are all great kids . I hope you will have recovered from all that fun and excitement.I received my Dont be Blue kit today and it is sooo nice -what a wonderful surprise and thanks for ll the goodies ypu are really too kind!!
Susie Solitar said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:48 am
Here are my three raks:
1. I gave $10 to a homeless man who looked really hungry;
2. I sent some yarn for free to someone who admired it in my stash; and
3. I made scarves for my officemates at work just to show them how much I appreciate them!
Both, doing these raks really made me feel good!
Susie
Kit said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:53 am
Hmm, 3 RAKs?
1. I make it a habit now to stay late at work to help the produce guys (I’m salad bar, we share a prep area) by cleaning the floors for them. They always love when I do it because it cuts down on how long they have to stay behind and I do it ‘cuz hey, John’s cute and…I mean, no reason at all. It’s purely altruistic! Really.
2. I’m the recipient of this one but Lynn at my WW meetings made me the most amazing bracelet with a charm that I can move along the beads so I know how many points I’ve eaten (does that count?). She refuses any sort of payment or anything and if I get a Goodie bag, she gets the mug, I should think.
3. I bought chocolate for a friend who is a teacher and going through End Of The Year stress. It’s real Emergency Chocolate. It comes in a red box and has the Red Cross sign on it (well, not quite for trademark reasons of course).
4. Bonus since #2 I was not the giver but the receiver — keeping general tabs and offering 24/7 support for a friend whose husband decided to leave her because HE did a Bad Thing and can’t forgive himself. And though I am always open for friends 24/7, she’s someone whose call I will take at 2am WITHOUT being Crankypants. That’s love right there. Of course, if any friend were to call at 2am, I doubt I’d be Crankypants, I’d be more like “ohgoshwheresthefiredoyouneedarideandcleanunderwear?” but still, I’d say that’s kindness. Maybe.
5. Um, since that probably didn’t count, one pair of my Sock Madness socks went to my mom, who is still suffering from neuralgia and has cold tootsies.
AnnaMarie said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:55 am
I gave a ball of yarn and my pattern to a client for a scarf instead of making another one for myself just because she admired the yarn I was knitting while she was at her appointment.
I ordered a box of tea for a friend of mine because I saw it was on sale and I know she loves that tea.
I let the older gentleman in line behind me go first because he only had a few items and I had a cartful last week at the grocery store.
Honestly I tend to do some of these things all the time but I hope they can be RAK’s!
Froggiegirl said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
Hooray for talented husbands, the blocker looks awesome!
This April I took the RAK’s to heart and tried to think of something to do each week.
1. Donated to two charities that I wouldn’t otherwise have. This also seemed to inspire my husband who later in the month donated a nice chunk of money to cancer research.
2. Mailed care packages to my father who is home bound until his hip replacement heals and to a good friend who’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer recently.
3. Anonymous left brownies for the administrative assistant and all my engineer friends working overtime.
I’m also trying to be a better visitor/phone caller to my immediate family. I either saw them in person or phoned them this month.
tracey in mi said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
3 random acts of kindness… I went international this time;)
1) Shared a burrito with a homeless guy in Toronto.
2) Rescued 2 elderly ladies who’s “motorized scooters” were stuck in the mud near a local mall… (they were cute-but not great drivers;)
3) Helped a mom with a little one at the grocery store;)
*plus a bonus RAK… I cannot share.. it’s a secret;)
Heather said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:03 pm
Wow, what great RAKs! I love the welcome to the neighborhood dog basket.
Kim B., as a Lakota woman (though I don’t live on the rez), I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. So many people forget that there is such dire need right in our own backyards. Big hugs to you for your kindness and generosity.
And for mine…
1. Donated a load of items and money to a couple different (but both equally worthy) causes.
2. Sent a learn-to-knit-socks kit of my own making (with my own written instructions, too) to a dear friend who wants to learn, but is short on funds & nearby knitters.
3. Made a point of tracking down the manager in my favourite butcher shop so that I could tell him *just* what I thought of several of his employees. There’s one kid in particular there who is SO NICE! I LOVE this kid, he always remembers me, he always has a smile & a friendly attitude, he calls me ma’am, FPS, and he even remembers what I like to buy at the bakery, and has it ready when I walk in. I’m not accustomed to such fabulous customer service (outside the Loopy Ewe, of course;-)), and that kid needs to be rewarded. The manager/owner of the shop was pleased to hear my thoughts, and I hope he conveyed them to the kid, too. Employees like that are worth their weight in gold.
Lisa W said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:09 pm
Those goodies look awesome! I’m so jealous of all the Spring Flingers!
1. Donated a couch to Goodwill
2. Knit a toy elephant for a friend’s new baby
3. Bought a friend some goodies at Bath and BodyWorks because she so rarely has time to do nice things for herself.
Denise said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
I decided that it takes several times for a behavior to become a habit and I wanted to be a kinder gentler person so here goes. I have been doing these things consistently since you mentioned RAKs.
1. I smiled at everyone I saw, at work in the hallways, in a store, anywhere I was. I was surprised by how many people smiled back!
2. I let cars out in front of me if they were waiting to pull out. (And I am from Massachusetts where we normally are not that polite in our cars!)
3. If I walk by the snack machine at work, whether I purchase anything or not, I leave spare change in the machine. . I imagine someone is happy to find it.
4. If I see a person in a military outfit, I walk up to them, shake their hand and thank them for serving our country. I have only done that twince this month. Both seemed pleased.
Those i will continue to do. In addition
5. I donated food to the food bank and have been speaking with my son about helping others who may not be as fortunate.
6. I helped out a coworker who was overworked
7. I sent a thank you note to our babysitter to let her know how much we appreciate her.
Can’t wait to read everyone else’s! Thanks for bringing it up Sheri. We could all use a little kindness.
tracey in mi said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
Hmmm that giant sock blocker is begging for a scrap yarn sock………. just saying…..
Katrina said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:17 pm
Those goodie bags looks awesome! My RAKs for the month included:
1. I surprised my husband one Saturday when he had to work by mowing the yard. He loved that!
2. We bought my MIL a new washing machine.
3. I helped a friend manage her stash by taking some pesky yarn off of her hands!
Nell said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
1. I let a woman and her kids (who were on the edge of a meltdown) go in front of me at Safeway.
2. I stopped my car near school when I saw a women who looked lost. She got in my car and I took her to the correct building since it was at night and not in the best neighborhood.
3. I gave up a parking space to someone else at Target on Saturday.
Great idea for a content!
Ann said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
1. When I got someone else’s yarn order in the mail, I sent it on to them but enclosed 2 skeins of yarn from my stash as a surprise. (Felt great to do that!)
2. I let a young mom struggling with 2 young children go ahead of me in the grocery line.
3. I surprised my husband by buying something for him (no special reason) that he has been wanting but would not let himself buy.
Lori said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:28 pm
I love that Loopy Sock Blocker! I agree with tracey in mi that it needs a big sock knit for it!
1. I donated to a local charity in someone else’s name.
2. I cooked dinner for a friend in need several times.
3. Bought the chef some Starbucks one day. He’s a Starbucks junkie! I just had to walk in and ask for his usual and they had in ready in no time. He loved it! He always buys for everyone else, but no one ever buys for him and he was really surprised!
Monica said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:28 pm
Wow, the goodie bags are fantastic.
And I totally agree that more wall space is a much better solution.
RAKS
1. I have unloaded several grocery carts for elderly people in line behind me. Some I let in front of me, depending on how rushed I am. But it is amazing to see how grateful, and surprised they are that someone is helping them with this small task. I will continue to do this
2. I have donated non perishables to the local food bank. and pet food to the local animal shelter.
3. I knit pocket book slippers and donated them to the local women’s shelter. They really appreciated those.
Marisol said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:29 pm
I LOVE those goody bags and I am so bummed that I did not get in on all the fun you all had this year!
As for my 3 Random Acts here they are:
1) One Saturday night we were driving back from Sacramento, CA and I had brought a really nice cushy blanket keep my legs warm on the way back. Truth be told it was my all time favorite blanket. Before going home, we stopped off at a local BlockBuster Video store. On the doorstep to the store was this homeless man that clearly looked cold. I felt so horrible about it that I immediately went to my car and pulled out my blanket. I handed it to him along with five of dollars and some water. I due hope it helped him pass that cold night in San Francisco.
2) I coordinated a Chemo Cap KAL with my stitch and bitch group here at work. Once we were done with the hats I dropped them off at Imagiknit where the collect chemo caps for Knitting Pals by the Bay
3) This weekend on the way back from the East Bay we crossed the Bay Bridge and when I paid the toll I paid for the 5 people behind me.
meg said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
I miss Loopy Central! I would love to be knitting on the red couch with my feet up and all the kisses near:)
My RAK;
1. I mailed two boxes to friends with little goodies for no good reason at all:) Sheri, you might know of one of the boxes.
2. I offered to take a friends baby overnight so she could get away for her brothers wedding without the baby.
3. I helped an older lady at the airport as she waited for a wheelchair.
You know, I have realized sometimes just making friendly conversations with people is the biggest random act of kindness of all.
Suna said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
I finally get to comment after months being unable to. I am recovered at last from unemployment than transition to a less than ideal job…
And I did some RAKS
1. My fave: an acquaintance had her vacuum cleaner eat a chunk of her treasured afghan knit by her grandmother. I undid it down to the hole, got rid of the bad yarn, and am now re-knitting the top, even though it is very used acrylic yarn (matching unused yarn still was very obvious). You can’t tell where Grandma stopped and I started!
2. I offered a lady my seat on the bus, even though that would mean standing for 45 minutes and not knitting on my Bus Socks (I always have a pair going now).
3. I invited a friend to spend the weekend with me so she could escape weird relatives and we could attend another friend’s husband’s funeral.
I am glad everyone had so much fun Flinging.
Wendy in Cambridge said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
I don’t know if these count, because they were for friends, but here goes:
1. Gave a housewarming gift of sock yarn (Yarntini) to my best friend, who has just moved and is feeling a bit out-of-sorts.
2. There is a woman in my building who is 95 (and has much more energy than I do!). Our buzzer system was out, so she dragged a chair downstairs to the lobby to wait for a repairman. She had brought a book and had expected to wait there alone. I brought out a chair of my own, and we sat and talked and waited for him together. I’m very fond of her and it was great fun to spend time with her–she is just incredible!
3. Cleaned out my storage room (yuk–it was an unbelieveable mess!) to find clothes and yarn to donate to various charities. I also made a donation to the MSPCA in memory of a good friend’s kitty–the kitty recently passed away unexpectedly.
That’s some sock blocker! WH did a great job. What a wonderful memento of the Fling!
Juliet said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
Glad to hear you all had a good time Spring Fling-ing!
Here’s my RAK:
1. I bought a special gift for my niece just because.
2. Encouraging a friend with her weightloss journey every day. (which is inspiring me to also lose weight…does that count?)
3. Started working on two lap blankets for two relatives – mother and daughter who both recently were diagnosed with cancer.
4. Just because, bought Guitar Hero for my husband.
Thanks for the continued inspiration on this!
Wendy said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
Um . . . what’s wrong with being a Red Sox fan?
Chrissy said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
1. This is small, but at ALDI grocery stores, you “rent” your cart for a quarter and get the quarter back when you return the cart. When I was done shopping, I gave my cart to someone entering the store and told them to keep their quarter.
2. I’ve let several people in line at stores go ahead of me, because I’m not usually as rushed for time as most people.
3. I was standing in line to rent a video at a “Red Box” and helped an older woman who was having difficulty operating the “Red Box” to return her video.
Sherry said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
The Spring Fling was obviously a hit!
I love performing RAK. Here are 3 from me:
1. I knit a Montego Bay Scarf from Handmaiden Seasilk for a friend who lost both her Mom last year & her Dad this year.
2. The Vet Tech were I take my cats mentioned that she’s been going thru a hard time. It seemed like she needed a friend to talk to, so when I got home from the vet I called and asked to leave my phone # for the Vet Tech. She called and we went for a walk with our dogs. Turns out she’s going thru a messy divorce.
3.I bought a small red Tabletop Caddy in the last sneakup for my friend Mary. I first saw these Caddies in a class at Stitches East. I told Mary about them & we looked for them in the market, but never saw them. I know she’s going to love it … she loves bags & gadgets.
Susan said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
I am very sad I missed the first Spring Fling but I had a good weekend knitting just the same. Here are my RAK:
1. I scooped up all the dog poop in an elderly neighbor’s yard who have two big dogs. There is much droppings after a Buffalo winter.
2. I anonymously donated money to each of four friends Ride/Walks for charity. None of them wanted to ask me to support them because they thought the other three had already asked me for money.
3. Stopped my carin the middle of a busy street and had my 13 year old jump out and help a very frail, elderly woman with a walker get over a snowbank and safely to the sidewalk. This stopped traffic and caused a great deal of honking but my daughter learned a valuable lesson.
There are more but I’m a stickler about the rule of three!
Vicki said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
Wow, cool sock blocker! Looks like you guys had a great time!!
My 3 RAK’s:
1. I followed an older couple about 6 miles until they pulled into the DMV to let them know they had no brake lights. They had no idea!
2. I helped an older lady take the groceries out of her cart. She was shorter than I am (not easy!) and couldn’t reach them all.
3. I worked a long Saturday for my boss on his weekend to work so he could take his wife to a Broadway play for their anniversary.
Nice to read everyone’s rak’s. Great inspiration to keep it up!
Quesselchen said,
April 30, 2008 @ 12:57 pm
That sock blocker is great I have visions of a scrap-yarn sock being sent from knitter to knitter around the world until it fits the monster sock-blocker…
And I’m jeaulous of all the Spring Flingers… a bit to far away for me, I’m afraid.
My RAK for this month:
1. When my housemate called in the morning (one of the ones I could have slept in) after staying at her BFs to say that she left her work-ID here and needed it, I got up, dressed, took the bus into town (only to realise that prices had gone up again) and had the ID and keys with her within an hour – which meant she could actually sell stuff that day… She was really grateful.
2. Same person. We meant to go to Wonderwool together last weekend but she then had to work. So when I found some gorgeous BFL roving that was just soooo soft, I got some for her as well, so that she wouldn’t feel too jealous in the evening when the rest of us were cooing over our purchases.
3. I have taught one friend how to knit from scratch, one how to knit socks (ok, we’re still working on that one
) and two friends how to spin with a drop spindle. Does that count as an act of kindness or is that just evil enableing on my part? I wonder…
4. I spent a good while googeling for a way to transport medication that needs to stay at a certain temperature as somebody I know is having to change her MS medication and was freaking out about not being able to do any travelling at all. She’s a bit more confident now that at her standard distances will work. Will probably help her get the bag once she decides it’s time to buy…
By the way – love your blog Sheri. Just had to say this, as this is my first time comenting here…
Robin said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Wendy absolutely nothing.
RAK
1. Take the little girl across the street to swimming lessons twice a week.
2. Bought the little boy down the street a t-shirt because it was “JUST HIM” it said my parents are exhausted.
3. Took the breadmaker to the preschool and let all three classes make bread.
4. I have been volunteering at daughter’s school with the fluency reading. Think maybe one day I would like to teach people to read.
Is there any spinning content soon?????
Lauren said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:09 pm
1. packed up part of a friend’s apartment as she has to move and doesn’t have enough time to do it herself
2. repeatedly offered my seat on the subway and held doors open for other people even though I was injured with a broken hand all month
3. went out to dinner with a friend who’s having a stressful time at work and paid the entire bill while she was using the restroom
Sharmista said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
I hope these count!
1. Made dinner and took it to a friend who is having a baby soon
2. Paid for a friend’s breakfast when it was supposed to be “dutch treat”
3. Volunteered to chaperone my daughter’s field trip
Ronni said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
I love the big sock blocker. WH is very talented!
My RAKs:
I sent 4 surprise gifts to people. Anonymously in a couple of cases. I hope they don’t decide they are being stalked!
I let people go ahead of me in the grocery line last week and two weeks before (the other weeks this month, no one came up to the line until I was already being rung up) but then I always do that.
I gave a pair of hand knit socks to a friend. Twice (two friends). But the second friend is the one who gave me a pair which convinced me of the goodness of handknit socks so I’m not sure that should count as a RAK. More like a debt finally discharged. But I did give her my very first Loopy Ewe Sock club socks (which was hard to part with) so maybe that could count? I also gave my Mum a pair but since she’s my mum maybe that doesn’t count.
And the biggie (for me since I’m not good with large quantities of kids) I agreed to help the Girl Scout Troop by being the other adult today (since I haven’t actually done this one yet I suppose it may not count – I’ll post again when I have done it but this way I remember to get them all up). And that totally has to count (well, once I’ve done it anyway). Because I’m so far outside my comfort zone with this one that I’m in a different zip code.
I also offered to bring in the parts of a computer so that my daughter’s class could help put it together before their field trip to Intel. But I won’t actually be doing that until next month so I don’t think that counts either.
There were a couple that weren’t successful – but in a good way.
I offered to cover the difference between what they were buying and what they had for a couple of kids buying lunch at the zoo. Only that apparently inspired the cashier to let it go. So I left the same amount of money in one of the collection boxes at the zoo.
I was willing to give up the DVD I was gleeful at finding, even though it was the last one on that rack, if the guy who saw it in my arms and asked where I had found it couldn’t find one elsewhere. But he did so we both were happy.
Hariamrit said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:14 pm
!. Knit a pair of very wild socks for a friend who had breast cancer so she can wear happy feet when she has all those scary tests.
2. Ran to a neighbors house late one Sunday night with my Goat Emergency bag to help save one ofher new born kids. AND gave her some of my coveted baby kid items.
3. Hired a neighbors problem teenager to help keep him out of trouble, He works a few afternoons a week under complete supervision.
Laurie said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
1. Had lunch and tea with a neighbor whose husband and mother both passed away in the same month this year.
2. Paid for the person behind me at Starbucks.
3. Supported a colleague in their efforts to raise enough money to meet her Marathon challenge commitment (gave $$).
Sharmista said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
BTW… I LOVE the giant sock blocker!! How cool.
LaLa said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:17 pm
I gave the woman at the end of the post office line on tax day some stamps so she wouldn’t have to wait with her kids for over an hour
I knit one of my former swap partners a scarf and bag for her birthday which was on the last day of the fling
I chaparoned an overnight field trip at the last minute when a parent chaparone bailed.
Christen said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
1. Donated $$ to the humane society
2. Held doors open at work for handicapped man (I do this whenever possible)
3. Always let drivers over, even in the morning rush hour
Alexis said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
Well lets see:
1: Being painfully shy I went up to a girl sitting by herself at a military even and talked with her even though I was extreamly nervous (I dunno why) and swapped phone numbers since she was so lonely.
2: I baked a boat load of brownies for the local Womens Club meetings (I’m not a member)
3: (My favorite of all) I went to a charity luncheon and helped raise 17,000 dollars for the local Mothers Aganist SIDS chapter.
Trish said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:28 pm
Here are my three RAK’s:
1. I let a lady go ahead of me in line yesterday at our coffeeshop who had 3 very small (and very crabby) kids with her.
2. At the mall last weekend, I returned a wallet that had been left in the washroom to security.
3. I donated 25.00 to the United Way this week.
liz said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
Loopy necklace? OH I can’t wait to see what that is all about!
My 3 RAKs:
1. Somebody mailed a package to me that was meant to somebody else. She asked me to mail it back to her so she could repost it but instead, I got the correct mailing info and sent it for her, and wouldn’t let her pay the shipping.
2. A gal on Ravelry was looking to buy a knitting pattern that I happened to have two copies of. I sent her one copy, and told her it was a gift
3. My daughters 1st grade teacher has been asking parents to send in a case of bottled water, so each student can get 1 bottle per week. She started this a few weeks ago, and I dropped some off right away. A lot of parents haven’t donated any though, so I took her 4 weeks worth of bottled water last week. It’s good for those babies, mine included
tina said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
RAK???? I have been over-busy at work (brides you know!) and have had to pull myself out of the crabbies by trying to do a RAK a day. Yes, a day!
Today’s was to trim my neighbor’s hedge. He’s a sweet old guy and I’m trying to remember that his job is currently to be a curmudgeon and not be especially grateful!
Yesterday I brought homemade muffins in to the staff.
At this rate, kindness will exhaust me—– ha!
Liz in IN said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
LOVE that coffee mug! I’m unable to ‘do’ events like Spring Fling (boring health stuff) so I’ve really enjoyed reading about it and seeing the pictures.
RAKs:
1. I ordered a homemade bracelet (that I certainly did not ‘need’) from a young woman at church. Her husband may be laid off soon, and she’s trying to make money while being a SAHM. I paid full price, declining the $10 discount she offered to give me because her mom is a friend of mine.
2. I donated a lot of my baby/kid-themed quilting fabric to another woman at church who has started a business sewing quilts for children. Lovely fabric I was just never going to use (I have discovered, to my sorrow, that buying the fabric isn’t the same as making the quilt!
)
3. I always (so I hope it counts, cuz it’s not ‘new’) try to speak to people in the grocery store. Because I shop on a weekday, I often talk to seniors. A few words, a moment of ‘contact’, can really brighten someone’s day (mine included). I help folks who are searching for something on the shelves–hey, sometimes it’s confusing for me too, all those soups, all those cereal boxes! I also let people go ahead of me in line, esp if they have only a few things, or their kids are ready to be somewhere else, or they just look in a rush.
I’m inspired by the other RAKs I’ve read here. Thanks, Sheri!
Jen said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:41 pm
I have been so blessed this month with friends and strangers giving me RAKs while I’ve been getting ready to move 1000 miles, and I’ve been doing my best to pass them on to others. I’ve…
Took my 16-month old daughter to the grandmas at a local nursing home for playtime, they loved getting to play with her
Paid for the order behind me at the drive-through at Starbucks
Made a baby blanket for a co-worker of my husband who is due in July and has not gotten anything for the baby yet
Betty said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
1. I traveled over 4,000 miles each way to help my family place my father in a nursing home, I coordinated all the medical issues between the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Cincinnati and the nursing home, insuring he received all he medicines he needed during transition between two hospitals (in intensive care units) and three nursing homes (Alzheimer units) he was trying out. I was able to be there with him many evenings to help him be comforted and not afraid of staying in the units. Also helped the nurses take trays to other residents during evening meals. Spent two months with my father in the evening and my mother in the daytime then returned home to my family and caught up with all the things that I’d neglected while I was gone.
2. Traveled again from Hawaii to Cincinnati last Friday to help my 81 year old mother after she was assaulted and robbed in front of the nursing home while entering last Friday. She refused to surrender her purse when the man said he’s shoot her (she was just pissed off enough about his request for her to surrender her purse and car she just told him to go ahead and shoot her, instead he punched her in the face and stole her purse and ran off to neighboring apartment where he showered and hid until the police found him). Not something I’d recommend to anyone (surrender the purse and car) but fortunately for us my mom is bruised with a cut lip. Sympathy poured out for her from church members and neighbors, family and friends. I am proud of her and was glad to witness her testifying against the individual.
3. As a break from hospitals, I spent time at the Humane Society in Cincinnati (ten visits in the month) walking dogs, cleaning up the dog, cat and rabbit cages, and showing animals to individuals who were considering adoption.
So glad to see that Loopy Ewe is offering a sock storage bag that honors the work being done for Alzheimer’s patients. Recommend everyone order a bag from Loopy Ewe. Its in a great purple color.
Elizabeth R said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
My three things:
1) I (finally!) knitted my husband a pair of socks in the colors of the Spanish flag which he’s been wanting for a long time.
2) I gave yarn to a new knitter.
3) I babysat for a friend who really needed a break.
I’m soooo jealous of all the Loopy Groupies who got to go to the Spring Fling! I finally figured out that y’all are in St Louis. That’s fairly close to me so maybe I’ll get to come visit the shop soon!
Elizabeth
Kathryn Sigman said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
My three RAK’s are:
1) I taught one of my “wilder” sixth grade girls to knit AND gave her a skein of
DIC to knit with.
2) Donated money to Bike for a Cure
3) Walked with my son in Relay for Life
I’m glad everyone had such a great time at the Spring Fling. I hope to make it next year! Hope you are finding some knitting time, Sheri! You are one hardworking mama!
Lori said,
April 30, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
The Big Red Sock is sooo cool! I love it.
1. Made a donation to our local Boy Scout Council that will send 3 boys to summer camp this year.
2. Paid for the groceries of the woman infront of me in line. She was there with her two daughters and didn’t have her wallet and thought it was in the car – it wasn’t. Her bill was paid for by the time she got back in the store and I was gone.
3. Planted trees in the local park.
Belinda Giliberti said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
I love that bag! So cute! My three random acts of kindness are:
1. I bought a co-worker lunch (leaving her name on the lunch in our kitchenette) and did not tell her that I was buying it, nor did I ever tell her!
2. I ordered an additional breakfast on my way to work and gave it to the newspaper vendor on the street corner when I got a paper from him.
3. I assisted a woman with her packages to her car at Walmart.
It has been a giving month and a receiving month for yarn as well. Also, April is autism awareness month, which I did participate in two walks for autism research here in South Florida.
Michelle said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
Hope you are resting up from what sounds like an awesome weekend! I LOVE that huge sock blocker. One day I hope to see the process of how WH makes these things! I just can’t wrap my mind around it…
My Random Acts of Kindness:
1. Bought Girl Scout Cookies for the Troops, on two separate occasions. Goodness knows they could use a gift from home.
2. I invited my friend and her 3 kids over for a movie night while her DH was away for a business trip for two long weeks. We made homemade pizzas and watched Enchanted.
3. I sent in donations of Kleenex, Clorox Wipes and paper towels to my kids classrooms, They always run out of supplies this time of year.
I love hearing about all the RAKs, if only all the Loopies had a little Loopy Comune ….
Michelle
Jessi said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
1. Helped a woman in the grocery store pick up her strawberries strewn all over
2. Helped my neighbor carry in his groceries since I was just standing outside waiting and had the time – saved him a second trip.
3. Helped another neighbor by letting him know his headlights were on in his car.
4. After the woman in front of me at the drive-through ATM left with her transaction still in process(!) , canceled the transaction and put the ATM/debit card in the bank night deposit of her bank.
Jeannie said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
I love the huge sock blocker! What a great memento.
1. We bought a HUGE box of diapers and a gift card for a neighbor that just became a single mom.
2. We took sandwiches and cookies to share with everyone after church one Sunday. My kids love doing this.
3. Donated a lot of toys and clothes that are still in great condition.
Kelli said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
Three things of the many that I did this month (though I do nice things every month):
1) I gave my 7 year old neighbor boy a bike that needed a new home.
2) I opened the door for random people and helped a few women carry some boxes into my building at work.
3) I gave my neighbor girl a very nice rabbit for the county fair and I’m going to give at least one more away to get another girl started. I like to spread the bunny love.
4) I’m teaching my neighbor to knit. (Personally, this is my favorite RAK this month)
Cathy-Cate said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
My RAKs that are coming to mind from this month are all fiberly, though I think I do them a lot, day to day, truly.
1. When I bought a tiny sock blocker keychain from The Loopy Ewe recently, I bought an extra ebony one. I then knit a tiny sock (plus two extras) and sent it on the keychain to a friend who is busy opening up an online shop for her hand-dyed yarn. (The extras are for her friend and her mom who help her, and all the socklets are knit from her yarn.) She should get them tomorrow, the day the shop opens! I think she’ll need a happy distraction then!
2. A friend of mine has taken up spinning. She’s done me favors in the past. I got her some REALLY nice BFL hand-dyed roving and sent it to her in the mail unannounced.
3. This one’s the most exciting! (I know that you’ll read all these, Sheri, and probably many others won’t have time to make it this far. If you find it appropriate, would you consider mentioning this in your blog before May 11?) I put up a post on my blog yesterday, April 29, celebrating my first Blogiversary with a raffle to support charities with a knitting connection. The prizes are all rather exciting, if I say so myself, and all things that are not readily available right now, but with the Extremely Exciting Prize being a skein of lovely Wollmeise sock yarn in the Pfauenauge (Peacock) colorway! Purchased at the Loopy Ewe in a lucky moment in the past!
I put the Wollmeise in as a raffle prize NOT because I don’t like it, NOT because I have another one, but because I felt it would be a very exciting prize and perhaps raise people’s interest in donating. And I do have other Wollmeise, ordered from Claudia directly a year ago, so I feel I can share one. (This one is gorgeous, though, I have to admit.) So that is my final RAK, truly knitterly.
I put the link to the contest in my blog link above, if anyone’s interested. The raffle runs though midnight Sunday, May 11, and you get entered in the raffle by donating as little as $5 to Doctors without Borders, Knitters for Knockers (a knitter team in Race for the Cure), The House that Yarn Built, or the Red Scarf Project.
Sophiekat said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:21 pm
Such fun to read about all the kindness!
Mine:
1. I anonymously paid for an online friend’s graduation cap and gown. She wasn’t going to be able to attend her university grad ceremony because she couldn’t afford the cap & gown, but now she’ll be there to receive her honours!
2. I left homemade zucchini muffins for our postman.
3. My 2 year old and I made cookies and brought them to our local firestation.
Nicole said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
Most of my RAKs have been school-related this month, because that’s where I’ve been around other people most often. A lot of them were really small things like giving people directions when they couldn’t find where they were supposed to go. Here are some other examples (two at school, one not):
1) I took time out from my own homework to help a group of first year students figure out theirs.
2) I donated my textbooks (the ones I won’t need again) to a charitable group rather than trying to sell them back to the bookstore.
3) I bought cookies from the Girl Guides and donated them to the food bank.
Bertha said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
My 3 RAKS:
1. An online friend was having a crappy day last week and posted a list of books she wished she had. I had several of the books on the list, so I packed them up to send off to her.
2. Another friend was bemoaning her lack of ability to score a certain very rare and desirable German sock yarn so I sent her one of my very few treasured skeins.
3. I found a $10 bill in the bathroom at work yesterday. Instead of just keeping it, I asked around to see if anyone had lost it, but no one claimed it. So I threw it in the tip cup for my barrista at Starbucks this morning. She always makes my tea perfectly
Teresa (NC) said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:50 pm
I’m sure everyone had a great time at Spring Fling. I really hope I get to come next year. I love seeing all the pictures and posts about it so I can live vicariously through all the flingers.
My RAKs:
1. My mother has been in re-hab for the last month, and the day she was to be released, I took 10 loaves of cranberry-orange bread to the caregivers at the rehab facility. They were very appreciative.
2. While Mother was in rehab the lady across the hall needed help getting a nurse and I went to find someone to help.
3. Mother’s roommate needed much help with various things, such as getting her glasses, reaching the trashcan, getting her blanket, etc, that I helped with, rather than having her call the nurse. It saved the nurses and it helped her a little sooner than the nurse could get to her.
4. A lady I met at the coffee shop where we hold our knit night wanted to learn to knit so I offered to teach her. We met a day other than knit night and I taught her to knit. She tried and tried to pay me but I wouldn’t take it. After all I like to draw others into the madnesss..ooops, I mean the lovely, wonderful life of knitting.
5. One of the ladies in our knitting group lost her husband last year and she has a difficult time with all the firsts. So on her first birthday without her husband last week, I took her cheesecake, a ball of sock yarn and spent the afternoon knitting with her. She said it made the day so much easier for her. (I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose my husband of 48 years-that’s how long they had been married.).
Beth said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
1. Repeatedly let people merge or change lanes in front of me; even when in a hurry to rehearsal!
2. Bought D (sick) D Gummi Bears to go with her grape juice and applesauce.
3. Knitted socks for a friend for no reason other than I love her!
Teresa (NC) said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
Okay, that was a really long post. Sorry to take so much space, Sheri.
Ruth said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:57 pm
1. I was driving back from taking the puppy to the vet for her shots and this pickup truck turned off a county road onto the highway. He was hauling hay and 8 bales fell off right in the middle of the intersection. It was in a dangerous spot for anyone turning off the highway onto that road. I parked the car, hopped out, and started moving bales to the side of the road. I had six of them stacked when the state patrol came by to do his RAK for the day and helped me with the last two. I had tried to flag the driver down, but he didn’t see me. Maybe that’s just as well–he might have gotten a ticket for an unsecured load!
2. I used a random number generator to come up with a number between 1 and 100. 5 was it. Then I went to Google and typed in “animal awareness organization -PETA” (not that I wouldn’t have given money to PETA, but I figure they get plenty of donations. The fifth item in the google search led me to Fall River Coalition for Animal Awareness. Again, I used the random number generator to come up with a number between 1 and 50 for the donation amount. They got $41 in the mail this week.
3. Vinnie. The dog. Another contest. Anyway, I contributed $40 to his cause.
Because I wasn’t sure if that could count since my $40 contribution to 4 Paws Sake in his name also entered me in a contest, I did a few extras.
Gave money to the library.
Payed the “change” part of the tab for the man in line in front of me yesterday so he wouldn’t have to break a big bill and told him when he protested “What goes around comes around. Just help someone else.”
Bought a book from a small local store even though I know I could have checked it out from the library because the owner said she was worried about making ends meet. This book will get mailed off to a friend when I’m done reading it.
Sent the extra quarter the bank teller gave me at the drive up back to her so she wouldn’t have trouble balancing her drawer at the end of the day.
Bought a business lunch yesterday for the two other woman I was with because one woman said she had to close down her store and was being sued by her ex-landlord even though she was trying to pay off all the money she owed. It was more graceful to just pick up the tab and not highlight her financial plight, so that’s what I did.
Took biscuits to the neighbors dog because they told me they are worried about him being so skinny and they are having trouble getting him to eat. He liked them!
The greatest RAK though, is Sheri’s. Having this contest helps me to remember the importance of making kindness a priority in my life. After a month, it’s starting to get programmed in!!!
Lacey said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
Great idea with the giant sock blocker WH!
My RAKs:
1) Made a stuffed lamb for the woman who went on to win teacher of the year. I was making one for me and she wanted it, so I let her have it. I’ll make myself one later.
2) I’ve been a nive driver of late: letting people on the ramp, letting people make difficult turns in front of me, that kind of thing.
3) We had a basketball game to support the prom and one of my kids couldn’t afford to go. I paid his way at the door for him so he didn’t have to sit in the classroom with me. I did this at the last one too, except I paid 5 kids into that one!
Kate said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
RAKs:
1) I had a girls’ night with my friend who needed to get out of her apartment and away from her evil, spiteful, horrific, hateful roommates, despite the somewhat poor timing (thesis time!).
2) I got my coworker into knitting and have helped her find supplies, learn techniques, etc…and now she’s a knitting MACHINE. I have a skein of Fleece Artist from the Loopy Ewe put aside for a goodbye present for her (I mean, I’m leaving, but she deserves quality sock yarn).
3) This is kind of a long one. My roommate has had terrible luck with the job search and dealing with her thesis, etc, and I’ve been trying really hard to be super-patient with her when she’s snappy or cranky or a mess or whatever. So far, so good.
Knittah said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
1. I made booties for a friend to give to a family member.
2. I collected and donated yarn to my local stitching group for a women’s shelter.
3. I sent a thank you note to someone on Ravelry who did a good deed.
4. I helped a family member open an etsy shop.
5. I listened and offered advice to a former student of my dad’s who is very ill.
rohanknitter said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:32 pm
1. Am sending some curriculum I don’t need anymore to another homeschooler than I met on Ravelry at no charge to her
2. Brought a meal and some treats to a friend who lost her mother this week to alzheimer’s
3. Brought flowers to a friend in the hospital
Kathleen said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
1. I was reading Julie’s blog (Noolieknits) and found Heather of Sereknity had dyed yarn in the colors of the “Can Do’ organization. For every skein purchased Heather is donating $10 to “Can Do”. I bought a skein of merino/seacell. This is a very nice yarn to work with. I should be taking their picture today and posting on my blog this evening. I knit a pair of “Ashes” socks from a pattern on Monika’s blog “Smoking Hot Needles”. The socks came out being a size 7/7.5 US. I am going to donate them to the cancer center that my SIL is receiving treatment. They were going to be for her but are too small.
2. The local coffee shop closed on March 31, 2008. I went to a knitting group htere on Wednesday afternoons and every Friday there was live music. Knitters were also allowed. We had a very strong group of folks that were there every Friday night. I have volunteered my house as a Friday Night meeting place until we can find some other wonderful person to open a coffee shop for us to meet at. April 18, 2008. I did not bake, bought everything, even whoopie pies. Best part my husband plays guitar so the entertainment was not dificult. The hardest part was…………………
3. On April 17, 2008 my Mother had surgery for breast cancer. There was no one in the whole state of Maine that was able to bring her to the hospital. I got the call on Sunday April 13 that my Mother had no ride. My daughter and I drove up on Wednesday, 4/16. Did the hospital thing on Thursday. Drove back to New Jersey on Friday in time to have everything set up for the party. Good news tumor removed, no lymph nodes affected. The party was very important to me. My friend Mike has terminal stomach cancer and is on hospice. This was probably the last time he would be able to enjoy “Friday Night”.
Lou said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
WOW! That sock blocker is HUGE! Can you imagine knitting a sock to fit over it???
Glad Claudia made it home safely! Especially since I still don’t own any of her lovely yarn. Okay, that was a selfish statement … so here are my RAKs:
1) I bought a Starbucks’ Strawberries and Cream Frap for a co-worker whose grandmother passed away teh previous week — a day before her (the co-worker’s) birthday. She was totally surprised and delighted.
2) I was given a very pretty carnation after having my annual mammogram and when I got back to work, I gave it to my co-worker who had expressed to me earlier in the day that she was having a particularly rough day. She loves flowers and works part time for a flourist so it was fun for her to be on the receiving end and she said so.
3) I gave some pretty note pads to a co-worker who had been “eyeing and admiring” them when they were sitting on my desk. She was SO happy that I gave them to her — she said she felt like she had been given $$ and she would thoroughly enjoy using them.
All of RAKs involved co-workers so they weren’t so random, but I can tell you these little things did bring joy to the recipients and it made me feel good too.
)
Tory said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
My RAKs for the month:
1) I made a hat for a pregnant lady that my mom works with.
2) Had the cashier at Starbucks use the rest of my beloved gift card to pay for the people behind me
3) When we went to Chili’s for lunch during a French club field trip, I left the waitress a tip larger than my meal because I felt bad for her having to deal with a bunch of hungry teenagers.
Suzi said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:43 pm
I hope you have the spring fling again next year. Maybe I’ll be able to come. Some of my RAK are…
Gave a knitter in my local knitting group a pattern she had admired.
Placed a squirrel statue in my in-law’s garden for them to find when they come back from their cruise. (my father-in-law has a running battle with the squirrels and the bird feeders.)
Knitted a hat and scarf for the local cancer center.
Donated books to the local library book sale.
Sharon said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
1. I helped one of my coworkers one day by doing a lot of her work. It really helped the next day when two people were off.
2. I knit a pair of baby socks for a coworker’s new baby.
3. I picked up the tab for the cake at work that we were all supposed to pitch in a dollar for.
Christine said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
Love the Gigantic Sock Blocker!!
My 3 RAKs this month:
1. I offered a skein of yarn for a prize for the Loopy Swap drawing.
2. Brought donuts to work just because it was a nice day (no snow!!)
3. I donated to Ravelry.
Phyllis said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
RAKs for April:
1. Donated extra digital camera to my knitting guild.
2. Watered plants for a friend in the hospital.
3. Helped straighten out a misunderstanding between 2 friends that had them not speaking. Life is too short to let friendships go by the wayside — over stupid things.
Kim said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
Congrats on the fun Spring Fling! It looks like everyone had a wonderful time.
Here are a few of the RAKs that I think might qualify:
1. Donated goods for door prize at the BSKG Annual Retreat along with donations to other worthy causes
2. Gave a new printed canvas knitting tote bag to a fellow knitter who loved it way more than I did. (and wouldn’t take anything for it)
3. Gave a present of yarn to a fellow knitter on a tight budget, who mentioned that she really liked it .
Sabrina said,
April 30, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
Loved the blog today, how cool more pics and more info about the fling. I would think that by the time you run out of wall space you probably have no more store space long before that.\WHat a cute goodie bag. I almost wish i could donate helptime with the opportunity to goto a fling, but that is silly to ask. Now I know you keep saying the coffee cup will break in the mail, but if you give me time to think I will find a way to make it break proof and package-able, maybe its own little bag or such? Well they got to your store in one piece so there has to be a way. AM I a nag or what? I can always come up with more loopy ideas just get me started.
When i read post your RAKs i all of a sudden couldnt think of any. Good thing i took the time to read everyones comments it helped jolt my mind to remember what i have been doing. I do RAK all the time so never even try to think about it:
1. My new found friend was so sad the evening she filed income tax as she was widowed within the last year and had to file for her deceased. It broke my heart how lonely she was, so I prayed real hard for her that someone come into her life who would be a perfect match, understanding, openhearted, kind, and be there for her for the rest of her life. Well 1 week later she tells me she is getting married! ANd he is exactly what I asked for. May i mention she is 61 and he is 67 and also a widower? My RAK is just being there for her.
2. I have been arranging giveaway items for a memorial for my adopted sister’s husband wihtout her knowing it, so that she can have a giveaway. SHe doesnt earn enough to really buy much but dollar store items. I managed to get her alot of good items from elder friends who are happy to help.
3. I found some new homes for some horses who have the misfortune of being utterly loved but coming from a way overstocked herd.
4. I am always openear for anyone who needs kind words, advice and prayers, I moderate at pgdotorg. Plus i always try to be there for people if they need it, even if they telefon late at night past my bedtime.
5. I am a lastminute babysitter for all my nieces and nephews, even when it gets my family upset and i have othere things planned. I just love those babies.
6. I paid some items for my new found sister, when her master card wouldnt work, eventhough i actually wanted to use that money for Loopy Ewe. ANd let my daughter buy her gf a bra for prom when she didnt have the money.
loveya
Susie said,
April 30, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
1. I sent sock yarn remnants off to someone who’s immensely creative and is using them to make so many cool things. She was surprised when she read the note saying that it was a giftie.
2. (I’m reluctant to post this because it involves a lot of money and I don’t ever want to come off sounding like I’m ‘all that’ because I’m totally not…) My massage therapist was going to have to cancel her CE class because they’d had an unexpected bill to pay and she was short quite a few dollars…so… I gave it to her. (Lucky for me I had been blessed with a little overtime.
3. I’ve tucked an extra skein of my sock yarn into several recent orders. TLE has a policy of giving so much extra in each order…I learned it from y’all!
4. I bought, cooked, served, and cleaned up after four teenagers on their way to Prom, kids who couldn’t afford a fancy dinner out. So I made them a fancy dinner in. (This was completely fun for me. Except perhaps the dishes…)
5. I’ve dropped everything that’s going on in my whole life and am getting in the car at the crack of dawn Friday morning, to drive to Louisiana to be there 10 days earlier than planned, because there’s a baby who doesn’t want to wait to be born.
And guess what…I’m taking the already dyed and reskeined 24/7 sock yarn with me to LA to be tagged and stitchmarkered and shipped from there *after* the baby’s born!
Dana said,
April 30, 2008 @ 4:40 pm
1. I paid for the person behind me’s Starbucks earlier this week.
2. I sent a surprise package of handdyed sock yarn to a family member who wasn’t feeling well- and I had dyed it up in all of her favorite colors.
3. I went through my yarn stash and gave my best friend (who I recently taught to knit) some of my NICEST yarn- not the “crap yarn” I’d normally give a new knitter- because I want her to have the best so she’ll get hooked like I am.
XO-
Dana
Alissa said,
April 30, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
1. I went through my stash and pulled out two garbage bags of yarns that I won’t use to donate to the Senior Center “Happy Hooker” group
2. I found the perfect tattoo themed button at a yarn store to send of to a friend as a surprise.
3. I gave some cat treats and dog food to a local shelter.
Jane said,
April 30, 2008 @ 4:49 pm
Mine seem small in comparison to others but,
I made a baby hat for a young woman (I don’t know) but has spent years trying to have a baby,
I wrote notes to acquaintances with recent cancer diagnoses, and
I forgave library fines for people who could barely afford the dollar or two they owed.
Linda said,
April 30, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
My three RAK:
1. Sent a book and a skein of yarn to a ravelry friend whose son is ill.
2. Took out my elderly neighbors trash can, and brought it back in.
3. Bought an extra skein of hand dyed sock yarn for my friend who got me into knitting socks.
The goodie bags look like so much fun! My fingers are crossed!!
Lee Cockrum said,
April 30, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
Lets see, I really try to do little (or big if the opportuniy presents itself) things frequently.
We grilled pork chops for my neighbors (the wife has been poorly lately and unable to cook much.)
I purchased the last Harry Potter book on CD and sent it via Amazon to a friend’s daughter who was house bound after a motorcycle accident. (Thankfully she will totally recover.)
I took my other neighbor’s daughter with me to Walmart and purchase some school supplies she needed. (They are struggling a bit, and will allow me to help the kids out.)
Hillis said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:02 pm
My three acts of kindness, Watered flowers for the neighbors when they went on vacation, shared some WW Chocolate Cake with my best friends, and gave some knitting needles and sock yarn to a girl that wants to learn to knit socks, YEAH!!!!
JB said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
Love the big sock blocker. That should become the newest in knitter home decorating!
My three RAKs:
1) Bought lunch for a friend dealing with a huge personal loss
2) Gifted some Envirosax to another friend who is very committed to enviro issues
3) Gave a bottle of Gatorade to a neighborhood boy who was sweating working in the sun all day last Saturday
jaya said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
Wow, this is fun to read…
1) I left chocolate on the desk of someone who really needed it (he’s taking over my responsibilities in the lab)
2) I rescheduled some meetings so I could attend a practice talk given by one of my group members so that I could give him some comments
3) I cleaned up the house and took care of hubby while he was stressed out with work.
4) I took a friend out to lunch, just because.
5) I’m saving the two pieces of chocolate torte in the fridge right now for the hubby.
jaya said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:09 pm
How odd. I posted a comment and it didn’t post!
My RAK for the month…
1) Leaving chocolate on the desk of a colleague who clearly needed it
2) Rearranging my commitments so I could attend a practice talk given by one of my group members.
3) Taking a friend out to lunch because she was having a bad day.
4) Shared the gift of knitting with a friend.
5) Saving the last two pieces of chocolate flourless torte for the husband who’s having a really bad day at work.
Gina said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:12 pm
Baked cookies for the nurses on my floor.
Paid for the coffee for the person behind me in the Dunkin Donuts drive through.
Knits baby hats for the NICU.
Sarah in Ohio said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Yes! More pattern tamers, I was so bummed I missed them last time. I love the giant sock, I squeed a little, “there’s my name!” to my son (he’s sick so cuddling up on my lap) but he didn’t care, he was just in awe of the “oohh big sock”
Janice said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
Bought 2 books, had them signed by the author, then sent one to StitchIt podcaster Meghan and one to Stash & Burn podcaster Nicole (that counts as 2 doesn’t it?), paid the bill at Starbucks when a group of co-workers went for an afternoon coffee run.
Joanne Edwards said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
Hello to everyone. I just want to say that I really wish I could have been part of the FLING. I love the goodie bags, but love more the fun time you all had! You know that I am an Elem. Art teacher…have over 1200 kids a week and have 2 buildings. A lot of kiddos are needy…one saw me making a pair of socks and sort of wondered WHY anyone would MAKE a pair of socks…..so when I finished the 2nd sock, I gave them to him…and he didn’t have any socks on so put them on then and there…my 1st random act of kindness! made my heart feel good doing it, too. He told everyone I made them for him…now a bunch want to know when I am making them a pair…see…needy! Ok..2nd random act was to show (better word is ATTEMPT to show) this left handed woman, mother of my friend who has always wanted to learn to knit, how to knit….we are trying, and I am frogging more than knitting, but this is my supreme trial, and a definite act of kindness and patience, and whatever else. Maybe she will learn eventually! My 3rd act was to take my friend all over to do errands when her car was out of service…I think we went all over the world and back again. I went to places, like OLLIE’S, that I never even knew existed. See what one can learn! It is fun, and I hopefully have helped someone! Take care and just think how much better you feel by doing these kind acts!
Jo
Dawn said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:57 pm
This month I’ve done the following RAK:
1. Went out at lunch and found 400 packages of Ramen Noodles for our ‘Raining Ramen Noodle Drive’. This benefits a local food pantry.
2. I sent extra yarn and handmade stitch markers to a swap buddy.
3. I bought my entire team at work lunch one day and took the time to individually thank thank them for their accomplishments.
christine said,
April 30, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Looks like the fling was fun!
1. I offered to babysit my friend’s children when her husband was on a 2 week business trip so she could have a child free evening for herself.
2. I stopped and got a coworker a water at the grocery store when she forgot to pick hers up. She’s lost without her water.
3. I put cookies in by boyfriends coat so on his first day of jury duty he’d have a little treat!
bethmh1 said,
April 30, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Wow, it sure sounds like you guys all had fun Flinging!!!! Loved all the pictures!!
My 3 random RAKS
Brought in a big grocery bag of food for the food shelf in the building where I work. They have been so busy with requests lately.
Took a collection from co-workers to buy a gas card for one of our clerks…she is a single mom and struggling to make ends meet, gas is so darn expensive these days
I am helping organize a bake sale to raise money for the food shelf at work. All of my co-workers love to bake and really love to eat, so a win- win situation!!
Ronni said,
April 30, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
OK, I survived. I did my girl scout troop duty. I ended up taking 3/4 of them to the talent show tryouts so ended up responsible for more of them than I was supposed to be. For the record herding ‘tween girls is worse than herding cats. I spent 4 hours in my own special hell (surrounded by small children, needing to correct dangerous behaviour of some of them – including some who I’ve never seen before – since none of the other adults were doing it, and listening to songs being mutilated – not that I begrudge the children that, I think it’s great they’re gonna sing but I have to grit my teeth when they do) so I’m off to see what there is at the Loopy Ewe that can cure a splitting headache.
karen w said,
April 30, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
Well, I’m getting ready for my final project at school, due tomorrow and not finished, and didn’t get to read all of the entries. But, my RAK were:
1. Sent a fellow Raveler(?) some leftover yarn because she wasa going to run out.
2. Didn’t rat out my school team member to our instructor after she sort of stabbed me in the back. Now she’s bending over backward to help me with a project in another class for no good reason. Hmmm.
3. Added to the server’s tip when my ex-bf was being especially cheap. (There’s a reason he’s an ex!)
inky said,
April 30, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
RAK ONE: Took my free evening wherein I was *really* looking forward to snuggling, knitting, and sipping tea, to meet my friend for tea at the diner and spend 2 1/4 hours listening.
RAK TWO: Sent one of my beloved music books to a school in New Orleans.
RAK THREE: Wrote to a store praising a cashier’s sunny personality.
Dj said,
April 30, 2008 @ 7:12 pm
1. Watched the choir director’s children while she directed the choir during the school chapel service.
2. Made last minute costumes for the school play.
3. Drove my aunt to her appointments and the grocery store.
Looks like I missed loads of fun at the fling. I hope I get to go next year.
Loretta said,
April 30, 2008 @ 7:18 pm
my 3 RAK’s
1. I bought and secretly sent a gas gift card to a single mom I know. I know she could definitly use the help but would not ask or take anything if offered.
2. I helped an elderly lady unload her grocerys onto the check out at the grocery store and then caught up to her in the parking lot and helped her load them in them in her car.
3. I helped a frazled grandmother take care of her twin grandsons while her daughter in law took her older son (by 1 yr) into the dr’s office. I was at the office with my son but saw this lady struggling with these 2 baby boys and trying to figure out the stroller just looking frazzled. So I stayed and helped till mom got out of the office and got everyone straightened out.
Jill said,
April 30, 2008 @ 7:29 pm
My RAK:
1. Donated jewelry supplies for a youth activity.
2. Shelved yarn for the LYS owner (her assistant that does that was out of town).
3. Sent a card to a knitter who had a son in serious condition in the hospital following an accident.
Next year I’ll be at the Fling!!!
Faith said,
April 30, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
1. I sent a friend who is having a hard time a surpise gift of her favorite candy & bath products.
2. A friend was over visiting yesterday and admired a much loved tote bag of mine. I insisted she take it home and make it hers- she deserves it.
3. I recently destashed some yarn to someone and because she was so kind and sweet- I gifted her with some alpaca handspun (not spun by me!)
Thanks for the great updates about the fling! I really wanted to be there and the posts and pictures made me feel like I got to be a part of it!!!
KnittingAddict said,
April 30, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
1- Gifted a skein of Wollmeise to another Ravelry member that was not able to catch any of the sneak-ups
2- Sent in two donations for a sick dog that I saw on a link from a blogger. (to help pay for his emergency vet bills)
3- Sent an anonymous gift to one of the girls in my MD’s office that is having a hard time.
Christina said,
April 30, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
1. I treated my mom to a 10 day caribbean cruise for her 50th birthday because she is the best mom and friend I have ever known.
2. I donated clothes and new toiletries for abused women who have had to flee their homes without any of their belongings.
3. I donated two boxes of stash yarn to a women’s drug/alcohol rehab center where they learn to knit and crochet to help in their recovery.
4. I donated money to the american cancer society.
Alison said,
April 30, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
As for my random acts of kindness (all non-knitting but random and somewhat impulsive):
1. I gave a lonely, sad little girl in my son’s third grade class who is going through lots at home a “friendship” bracelet.
2. I taught a neighborhood kid how to ride a bike without training wheels (something I cannot teach me own kids to do yet).
3. I surprise visited a client who recently lost his spouse bringing with me a home cooked meal.
Kelsey said,
April 30, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
I’m really dissapointed to have missing Spring Flinging, but I hope to make it some time in the future, it sounds amazing!! I love the sock blocker, that’s charming. Will the Cookie A. and WendyKnits sock patterns be available on the site in the future?
K.
My RAK:
1. Filled in for three shifts at work at the last minutes. I got calls just a few minutes before and made surprise drives into town to fill in for a sick co-worker and one who’d thrown her back out minutes before, and one with a very sick kid.
2. I felt like swatching, so I cast on ten stitches in dishcloth cotton, and the next thing I knew, I had made a bear for Mother Bear to brighten a childs day somewhere in Africa.
3. This isn’t really random, but I used my debit card for the first time EVER (very careful spender) to but my Mum the most extravagant Mother’s Day gift I ever have. I think she’s really going to like it.
Thank you for doing this! You inspired me to look at the world around me and see more ways to help. I found myself helping people at the grocery store and at work to do things. It was a wonderful experience, and something I will continue to do.
Diana T said,
April 30, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
1. Took care of a neighbor’s cats when he had to go out of town.
2. Baked brownies and left them for a friend to find when she got home from working late all week.
3. Donated money to several causes.
Christel said,
April 30, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
1. Organized dinners for a co-worker whose husband was severely injured in a work accident for the past month (and still going).
2. Took Mom and Mom-in-law to our son’s out of town graduation at our expense.
3. STayed late at work to help out so the patient assessments were on time.
4. Took extra turn interpreting our church service when our sign language interpreter was unable to come unexpectedly.
Carla said,
April 30, 2008 @ 9:17 pm
I sent a skein of sock yarn to an acquaintance who wanted the hard to find yarn!
knittingleftie said,
April 30, 2008 @ 9:35 pm
1. I collected new make-up, soap and deorarants from co-workers and friends for the hospitality committee at my church – to be used as bingo prizes for the women’s homeless shelter.
2. I gave a homeless man begging for money in front of the supermarket a $15 gift card for food for the Food Emporium so he could get some food.
3. I helped a blind man in Central Park — he had his working dog and asked if I could watch him so that his dog could come out of harness and socialize with other dogs. That was awesome.
Erin said,
April 30, 2008 @ 9:45 pm
This is such a great idea!
1. Left money in the “tip jar” for one of my favorite bloggers
2. Let people who looked like they needed it more than I did have the empty seat on the subway (it’s a 45+ minute ride, so standing can be an ordeal)
3. Wrote a letter to my aunts, just to say hello
Helen said,
April 30, 2008 @ 10:59 pm
Must type fast to beat the clock! (Oops almost left out the L in clock!)
1) Twice in two days gave up my seat on my morning commute which meant no knitting.
2) Never ever give money to people on the street – I don’t like to open my purse. However one afternoon as I was rushing to an appointment a woman said please give me something to eat. I rushed by and glanced at her. For some reason I came back and started talking to her. She really did just want something to eat but said she only wanted a sweet roll because it was soft and she had no teeth. It was actually rather sad but I took her into a fast food place and got her a pastry and coffee. I may have also slipped her some money for later on. I felt better for coming back.
3) Dropped my son off at school the day of a field trip. One of his classmates was crying because he had forgotten his lunch. I asked him what he wanted and came back with something for him as I was actually chaperoning the trip that day.
Thanks for doing this again Sheri.
Sarah said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:55 pm
I LOVE reading about all the RAK’s… wow…!!!
Mine for this month:
1. Paid for someone’s shipping on their TLE order.
2. Helped a single friend during rotator cuff (sp?) surgery….I took her to the surgery, brought her home, and stayed with her that first night.
3. Donated to Ravelry
4. Included a gift for my swap pal’s little boy with my swap package.
I’m so happy that everyone had such a wonderful time at the Fling!!
Erin in Minnesota said,
May 1, 2008 @ 12:10 am
Wow, once again I am blown away by everyone’s amazing RAK’s, mine don’t really seem like much in comparison, but here they are:
1) I, as always, hold doors for people, especially now that it’s warmer and people are eating outside a lot. There is nothing worse than trying to open a door with a tray of food in your hands.
2) I lent my sick friend my copy of a favorite Anime to make her feel better (it actually worked, too)
3) One of my friends got hurt in a car accident right before our dorm Barbecue and we made him a really nice plate of food to eat in his room so he didn’t have to get up.
Kate said,
May 1, 2008 @ 12:28 am
I knitted socks for my mum (does that count???)
I paid for a co-worker’s drink at our social club get together when she didn’t have any change.
I took photo’s for the wedding of a friend of a friend when they couldn’t get a photographer for their short-notice wedding.
Elaine said,
May 1, 2008 @ 4:24 am
I sure wanted to be at the Fling this year, and wow, does it read like you guys had even more fun than I imagined; I don’t think I can get up the nerve to give it up again next year! So make room for me!
My RAK’s:
1. used the money for the Spring Fling to drive to the local plant place and bought lots of plants, plant food, pots and baskets and then came home and spent time making spring pots and hanging baskets for every one on our street who always admires mine, but don’t have the time, energy, or money to make their own.
2. knit a pair of socks in STR members’ only colorway, for a sour-faced woman I don’t even like, and gifted them to her in a nice bag with a little bottle of Soak and instructions on how to wash them and keep them nice. She SORT of thanked me, and said that they even fit her feet.
3. knit 2 hats of big chunky yarn for two elderly neighbors who walk every day and I knew they were losing heat off their heads. They are the neighborhood “toothpick ladies” because they are so skinny! They are wearing the hats, every day!
4. an extra: made a big “goodie box” for an online friend with trigeminal neuralgia (I think I spelled it right); they have barely money for food after her meds, and she had nothing to spin or knit. I sent her a beautiful moorit Rambouillet fleece that I had been saving for my own stash: skirted, washed carefully, and prepped, to keep her spinning for months! some skeins of really luscious yarn, patterns and 2 books. Then added some cream for her skin, and a Bosworth drop spindle she’d been wanting to have. It felt sooo good, and she called me crying… I think I’ve already been repaid for this one!
Ann Rose said,
May 1, 2008 @ 5:07 am
I thought I’d post three knitting-related RAK’s:
1. I sent a skein of discontinued sock yarn to a Raveler who was craving that colorway. As it turned out, she was also going through some medical difficulties, so it felt even more important to brighten her day.
2. I took a big big bag of yarns up to a collection point for a local women-in-transition program, so they could have more yarn to knit and crochet with, and made sure to toss in some knitting needles and two pattern books.
3. When I noticed that a fellow Raveler needed a certain yarn to complete a project, I searched through other people’s “sell or trade” stashes for her and let her know where she might find some of the yarn she needed.
Ongoing RAK: I’m currently knitting up mittnz for the Cheyenne River rez mittn drive, which my DH thinks is appropriate, as I am a very “Shy Ann”
Adelle said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:01 am
Hey there!
My 3 RAK were:
1. I made a charitable donation to the American Cancer Society in honor of my Grandmother
2. I donated some household items and clothes to an AIDS charity
3. I bought a gift for a friend because I knew she needed something to cheer her up
Lisa said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:22 am
RAK:
)
1. Held misc. dorm stuff (including a fish) and doors while an overwhelmed Mom tried to move her daughter home for the summer.
2. Fetched a shopping cart from another Mom who just unloaded kids and groceries in her car so she didn’t hav to return it to the corral.
3.Babysat my neighbor’s screaming infant so she could walk her dogs without the screaming infant in toe. (That may need to count for 2
Rosa said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:22 am
Hope I’m not too late for this…
My 3 RAKS:
1. I washed my neighbors car since she has very bad arthritis and her dirty car was bothering her.
2. I gave my co-worker some of my sick leave so he could stay home longer with his new baby.
3. I found a wallet a Giant Food and since the driver’s license was in it, I drove to the person’s house and returned it. I didn’t want it passing through so many employee hands since he had quite a bit of cash in there and several credit cards.
Theresa in Italy said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:26 am
All my RAKs are the same—letting someone go ahead of me in line (sorry, this seems to be my specialty!) but the funny thing is that, although I tried to be consistent in this throughout the month, on the morning of April 7 it just so happened that I was able to do this three times! (Post office, dry cleaner’s, grocery store.)
Hope you are recovering from the Fling, Sheri! It sounds like it exceeded all expectations but you’ve got to be exhausted after all that planning and hard work! Will be looking forward to the next sneak up, as always!
Joan Callaway said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:33 am
Am I too late?
1. The writing group I facilitate had a visitor a couple of weeks ago. She saw the socks I had been knitting and wished she knew how to knit socks. I referred her to some sites on-line with tutorials…and have worked with her via e-mail since then.
2. Took the writing group to Stone’s (a small deli-type restaurant) for our meet-up last week.
3. Critiqued an essay at the last minute for a student.
Laurie said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:39 am
I so wish I could have come to Fling this year…what great pictures everyone is posting, and I love the huge sock blocker!!
My three RAK’s:
1. Made monetary contributions to some good causes that are close to my heart.
2. Made a very special pair of socks for a friend “just because”…she was blown away!
3. Helped a lady in front of me with her grocery bill. She was a couple of $$ short and was trying to decide what to put back.
4. The usual helping people with doors, offering directions, letting people in line ahead of me, out of parking lots ahead of me, etc…
New Jersey Laura said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:40 am
I hate to post kindness because it is a little like bragging, but the reward is too tempting!
1. Kookhaas chemo cap from lovely chocolate brown apple laine from Loopy Ewe
2. Arranged dinner deliveries for family who lost father
3. Took treats to home of another family in bereavement
4. Took cookies & fun son to play with new family up the street
5. Left goodie bag of things to do and munch on in hospital for my friend who’s daughter is being treated this week
6. Did not give away dog when he threw up what looked like three days of saved food on my dining room carpet
New Jersey Laura said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:40 am
That’s koolhaas hat, by the way
. Alathough kookhaas is pretty funny.
Sarah said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:56 am
I love the giant sock blocker! Red Sox, bah!
Random Acts of Kindness:
1) I bought coffee for the person behind me at the Tim Horton’s drive-through.
2) I put money in the dryer in our laundry room for someone whose clothes were still damp.
3) Took tea and cookies to a friend who was sick.
Mary said,
May 1, 2008 @ 7:17 am
1. I stayed late on a Saturday and helped out a co-worker who was working an entire barn by himself.
2. I lent our intern a pile of books to help with a paper he’s doing.
3. I bought my mom a bunch of teas I ordered online that I knew she’d like when she said she wanted to try something new.
Patti said,
May 1, 2008 @ 7:18 am
The post wasn’t up yesterday morning, so I hope posting today is ok too. I have a hard time identifying RAKs because they seem like normal parts of life.
1) Let out a line of cars trying to make a left turn, after a mass exodus at a school function.
2) Took a first time prom attendee, who’s parents left him to make arrangements on his own, to the tux store and flower store, picked up his supplies, and took photos of him and his date.
3)Gave a piece of my cobalt glass to a new neighbor who admired it
Karen said,
May 1, 2008 @ 7:19 am
I don’t know my neighbor well but she has two little children aged 2 and 6 months. We were cleaning out the old Disney movies and books and I went over to ask her if she wanted any of them for her girls before I Free-cycled the rest. She answered the door looking like death. Both her and her husband had had the flu for 3 days and the girls were sick now too. She was in tears because it was Sunday night and She was substitue teaching the whole following week. I felt so bad for her. I went home, grabbed my oldest daughters and we started making food. We made two large meals (enough to feed a small family for a week+), three banana breads, a pan of bars and some home-made bread. We sorted the Disney movies for the “princess” ones and culled out all the Dr. Suis books for her girls. We loaded it all up and drove it over.
When she met us at the door the poor woman just stood there and cried as we unloaded. She couldn’t believe we would do that for soneone we barely knew. Later her husband also stopped both my husband and me and told us how no one has ever done anything like that for them ever. I grew up in a small town. When someone had a baby, was sick or had a family member die we always made food. TONS of food. He said he Never lived in a small town and Never had anyone care like that. It made me realize how easy it is to touch someone’s life in a significant way… with so little.
I now keep loaves of banana bread in my freezer and hand them when I see a need. I emptied my freezer yesterday and am baking more b bread today.
Chrissy said,
May 1, 2008 @ 8:02 am
RAKS for the month of May:
1. Helped a new employee with a stack of work that had acquired so she wouldn’t be bombarded even though I am not in her department.
2. Made from scratch Brownies for my crabby co-workers. Dark Chocolate sure does make the world a better place.
3. Donated a ton of yarn to my local nursing home for their Stitches of Love group
Chrissy said,
May 1, 2008 @ 8:08 am
I meant the month of April in my comment above! Sorry!
Melissa said,
May 1, 2008 @ 8:40 am
Hmmmm…
3 Random Acts of kindness.
I knit an iPhone cozy for my colleague at work just because.
I had a particularly difficult coworker and when her birthday rolled around I brought her cupcakes from the place she said was her favorite.
I help people who have strollers go up and down the subway stairs.
Connie said,
May 1, 2008 @ 9:03 am
Wow, there really are a lot of great stories. As for me, I went with the dictum, ‘Charity begins at home.’
1. I did everything the weekend before my birthday, including making pizza for supper, doing dishes (technically, my sister and I swap duties–I do dishes when she makes dinner, and vice versa), AND making tea, soup, and Jello for Mom, who was sick. (I got some yarn that day–that helped.
)
2. I filled a water jug when it was my sister’s turn (our rule is, if you empty it, you must fill it). That was more or less completely out of character, too.
3. I gave away a gift card that I would probably have never used to someone who goes there a LOT, and
4. I randomly gave away some money, ‘just because.’
Jamie said,
May 1, 2008 @ 9:08 am
1. I gave away sock yarn to someone just because they liked it more than I did (actually, a “Pay it forward” more than a RAK, because someone did that to me once and it just made me so happy!).
2. Giving up my seat on the subway to an older person.
3. Helping someone get their stroller up the subway stairs, since their arms were already full of baby.
nancy said,
May 1, 2008 @ 9:19 am
1. Took a welcome gift to the new neighbors. 2 cute little guys, one with training wheels on a little bitty motorcycle.
2 Knitting surprise socks for a friend that is relocating to a strange new place far far away from her friends and support system ( North Carolina).
3. Sharing my asparagus with anyone who wants some. You just can’t “put it up” to be as good as fresh.
Doris said,
May 1, 2008 @ 10:51 am
I hope that I am not too late. I was doing a RAK yesterday, and never managed to get online.
1. My husband and I are organizing a Bull Roast (Baltimore thing) as a fund-raiser for the Boy Scout Troop. The person who is putting together the spreadsheets for the Silent Auction had something come up, so I redid all my auction booklet write-ups in Excel so that he could just merge the document and not have to spend any time on it (took me 4 hours)
2. I offered 2 “extra” ticket (I really paid the $60 for them, as I had no extras) to the Bull Roast to a family that I heard through the grapevine are going through an extremely rough time financially
3. My husband said he thought we needed a few other Silent Auction items, so this week I knitted a great summer handbag for the auction…still have to line it tonight but it is my thought that (at least through Sunday) sleep is over-rated anyway.
4. Don’t know if this is really a RAK as much as a whine, but I am giving up MDSW for the second year in a row to do this fund-raiser for the Boy Scout troop that my youngest son “graduated” from 3 years ago. I love the festivals for the fiber, but even more for the chance to be with people who love it as much as I do.
Heather said,
May 1, 2008 @ 11:16 am
Wow looks like you all had fun during the Fling. I wish that I could have been there. As for my 3RAKs
1. I donated 2 bags, and 1 box full of clothes and shoes, an Ironing board and a water cooker to the Good Will
2. I was in the drive through at Taco Bell and gave a homeless Vet a burrito and a couple of dollars
3. I was moving from one house to another and had an extra vacuum I was going to take it to the good will but found a family in my building who needed one.
4. I was unpacking and realized how much my stash has grown so I sent my sister a brand new skein of Wollmeise.
5. Made my sister a “Punky Pouch” for her knitting to cheer her up after a terrible loss.
6. Gave some extra goodies to some ladies who helped me destash some sock yarn.
Kristi said,
May 1, 2008 @ 11:44 am
Wow! Looks like a wonderful time!
My RAKS include:
1. Donating my (and my growing kids’) winter clothes clean-out to Goodwill.
2. Paying the Metro fare for the person next to me on my first visit to DC this past weekend.
3. I helped the Assistant Principal get her computer hooked up this morning while dropping my kids off at school.
Heather said,
May 1, 2008 @ 12:39 pm
1. I helped a 7 months pregnant woman at work finish her zone without being asked twice this month.
2. I paid the tuition deposit to secure my friend’s daughter a spot at preschool next year b/c money is tight and they’re filling up fast.
3. I rescheduled my entire morning Tuesday to fill in as “room mom” for a sick friend.
Emily said,
May 1, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
The fling sounds like it was so much fun!
My RAK:
1. I gave my father’s secretary a bunch of baby things that she couldn’t afford.
2. My home nurse is moving, and needs suits for her new job. I gave her all of mine from when I worked.
3. I went grocery shopping for my MIL.
Tamara in Virginia said,
May 1, 2008 @ 12:54 pm
1. We had some horrible tornados touch down in Suffolk this past Monday (which is a town very close to mine.) I’ve made a monetary donation to the Red Cross to help the victims who have lost their homes and possessions.
2. I took an elderly neighbor who lives alone out to lunch.
3. I sent a surprise pair of socks to my sister just because.
Jill said,
May 1, 2008 @ 1:19 pm
It is most obvious to me that WH “gets” you– the big ol’ sock blocker is EXACTLY right!
I really didn’t set out to complete 3 RAKs this month because although I enjoyed reading everybody’s RAKs, I hadn’t kept track. However, I reconsidered after I saw the AWESOME goody bag! If you don’t play, you can’t win, right? You ladies outdid yourselves with those goody bags!!
1. I make hand-poured soy wax candles and tarts as well as hand-mixed potpourri and was approached about donating gift baskets for silent auctions for two different local organizations. I poured special candles for the events, put together the baskets, and delivered them to the offices of the chairwomen of the auction committees.
2. I got to meet The Yarn Harlot in Indianapolis on Tuesday night, and I picked up a little momento to send to a knitting friend who won’t get to see her on this tour.
3. A friend who is not a knitter (yet) is putting together a care package for her SIL in Australia who has recently been diagnosed with a different kind of cancer. She asked a group of us for ideas of what to include in a care package for her, and I asked if it would be OK for me to knit a Koolhaas for her. She was really touched that I would knit for her SIL.
Michelle said,
May 1, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
1. I returned a trash can that bad blown into the middle of the road to the house it belonged too.
2. Helped another mom, at Ronald McDonald House put there child’s handprint up on the wall. Getting covered in paint in the process.
3. Took clothes (some still w/ tags on) and toys to Goodwill.
4. Because I was actually honored to be asked to help w/ the handprint in #2, I got coffee and a donut for a homeless person outside of Starbucks.
5. Not really a RAK, but very hard to do, I let my son go with Grandma for a visit after an all clear on his 3month scans. I miss him, but know they are enjoying their time with him.
Loved the sock blocker, and Fling looked like fun, maybe next year!
Linda said,
May 1, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
1. I went every day for a week, to visit with a friends Mom who has Alzheimers, while my friend was in the hospital and gave her daily reports.
2. Stocked friend’s refrigerator so that she would have food for when she came home.
3. Gave a gift card I had to a woman in Target who was explaining to her little boy that the could not get him the ball and bat as they did not have the money.
4. Gave a pair of socks to a co-worker who loved how they looked.
Lauren said,
May 1, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
Looks like Spring Fling was amazing! Hope you all had a great time and my RAKs are below:
1. Bought coffee for the person behind me at Starbucks.
2. Made dinner for my boyfriend’s entire (8 guys) med school study group the night before one of their finals. This way they could study, but have dinner that did not come from a vending machine!
3. Put together a garden party for a friend, including seeds, soil, and pots, to inspire her. She’s been through some very rough patches lately.
Becky said,
May 1, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
The Spring Fling looks like it was so much fun! Who do I have to befriend to get to go next year?
1. My sister and I took my mom on a surprise spa day (manicure and pedicure).
2. I procured a particularly delicious skein of Wollmeise for a friend who was really seeking that particular colorway.
3. I knit a sweater for my niece, just because she’s a cutie-pie.
Jess said,
May 1, 2008 @ 4:15 pm
Holy COW, what a goodie bag!! That is craziness!
RAK’s…
1. The kids and I were at Bath and Body Works, and the girl in line next to us had a gift card that was just short of what her purchase came up to. I gave the cashier the difference to pay for it.
2. I received a message on Ravelry from a woman who needed one additional skein of a particular yarn and colorway in order to finish a blanket for her son, so I went ahead and mailed her my two skeins.
3. Anonymously “donated” money to a friend who needed some financial support.
Lynne said,
May 1, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
my 2 year old granddaughter immediately took off with my little loopy, but when i find him, i think he needs to have an adventure in second grade with us.
yeah, even though one of my little girls BROKE MY TOE today! it was an accident, but holy crap, this hurts!
here’s what i’ve done:
1. bought a purse for a coworker. they had them (knockoffs) at school for some reason. jeanne fell in love with one, but she never buys a thing for herself, so i surprised her with it.
2. kept my granddaughter last night so her mommy and daddy could shop w/o her. not a big deal except my husband just got out of the hospital (yeah, bad luck Lynne over heyah!) and i was exhausted.
3. gave my SIL two of my favorite dishcloths because i wanted to make her happy.
Amy said,
May 1, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
man, am I sad I missed the fling! gotta start saving now for next year
here are a few of my Random Acts of Kindness:
RAoK #1 : let an older lady in front of me at the express lane at the grocery store
RAoK #2 : brought muffins and juice to an early morning meeting
RAoK #3 : brought the garbage cans in from the curb for my neighbors after trash day
RAoK #4 : put together a learn to knit socks kit for a friend who has mentioned she’d like to learn, but doesn’t have the ability to spend money on a non-school book and sock yarn right now (this one might be slightly selfish, since I want her to learn to knit socks!, so it’s #4)
Barb said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:02 pm
RAK #1 I am teaching my friend’s daughter to knit. We are having a lot of fun. She is working on her second felted bag and wants to learn how to knit socks. I am afraid to show her my yarn stash. I do “gift” her with yarn.
RAK #2 I donated a pair of socks that I knit to the silent auction for the Synagogue. They raised $50. It really made me feel good. I don’t even know that person who won them.
RAK #3 Once a week I have been delivering a meal to a member of the Synagogue who has been ill. I spend about an hour with her and talk with her. I went grocery shopping for her the other day.
RAK#4 My niece just got engaged. I am giving her a bracelet that my mother-in-law (her grandmother) gave me when I got engaged. She is the only one of her grandchildren old enough to remember her so I thought she would like it.
Can you tell I am getting involved with the synagogue while I job hunt? At least I am doing something rewarding with my time off.
Beaweezil said,
May 1, 2008 @ 7:13 pm
I love the RAK idea, we should all do it all the time. Three things I can think of that I did. I paid for the coffee for the person in line behind me. I love the fact that it didn’t even faze the girl at Tim Hortons! I spent like 6 Saturdays in a row helping two wonderful friends wire their new apartment. Lastly, I bought some cute shoes that were on great sale, and immediately gave them to my sister-in-law, because she’s a saint and she deserves the world.
TMTTYRR said,
May 1, 2008 @ 8:35 pm
Wow. I am now even MORE bummed that BFF Liz and I were not able to come to Fling this year. Not only was there specially dyed Wollmeisse, but there were special LOOPY MUGS????
I am truly bummed.
But I’m looking forward to taking Loopy on vacation! Whoo-hoo!
As for the RAKs, I didn’t do any. Well, I probably did, as I have been told that it’s just my nature and I do them all the time, but I didn’t CONSCIOUSLY do any, so I have none to report. Maybe next time.
OK, counting the pennies for next week’s Sneak. I’m ready for it! **rubbing hands together**
Keri said,
May 1, 2008 @ 9:44 pm
My RAKs in April all involved driving, which I guess isn’t too surprising given the cost of gas:
1 – I went to MN for the weekend and sat next to a really nice girl on the STL-Chicago leg of my trip (she was headed to Boston). We met again in Chicago on Sunday and had the same flight back to STL. I gave her a ride home (she lived 45 mins southwest of STL – I live about 1.5 hrs southwest) rather than her having to wait for a friend to drive in the city to pick her up at the airport. I know, stranger danger – but we’re both over 30, and we’d already exchanged emails and phone #s on the ride out!
2 – I picked SOMEONE up at the STL airport during Spring Fling when she took an unexpected detour across the state. No big, but I was just getting into town, and I did this before going to the hotel to see the goodie bags!
3 – I folded 144 tshirts at Loopy Central. Of course, I got to fondle yarn and eat M&Ms in between sizes, so I’m not sure this was totally RAK, but there ya go!
danielle said,
May 1, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
Spring Fling sounded like it must have been so much fun! Here are my three things:
1 – Made a batch of special cookies for someone special on their first day back at work from an extended illness.
2 – Helped find old pictures of a family’s beloved dog who recently passed away so that a portrait could be done for them.
3 – Picked up a friend stranded at the airport.
Jennifer said,
May 1, 2008 @ 10:04 pm
OK, here goes…
1. Gave diapers to a dad in need at the airport.
2. Gave a skein of Wollmeise away to a fellow Raveler that didn’t have any yet.
3. Knit hats for charity
4. Gave a big tip to the Starbucks crew for all their friendly help
Megan S. said,
May 2, 2008 @ 7:37 am
I love RAK!!!
1. At my usual Starbucks, I paid for the person behind me. Very typical, I know, but when I went back the next day, the drive through lady told me it lasted for 15 cars! Woo hoo!!!!
2. I made all of my close friends a dishcloth. I love making “eweseful things” for people and they were all so suprized!
3. i took the time to hand write letters of thanks to some of my employees. I also took my own personal money and bought gas cards for three of them. I work with alot of Drs and Nurses who work long and hard to take care of the most deserving of patients – Military and their families.
Feel free to do this contest again! Yay!
Camille said,
May 2, 2008 @ 8:56 am
1. Found a bag of medicine samples that my husband had after he had an allergic reaction to them. My grandma can’t afford her medicine. Turns out, I had 6 months worth sitting in my cabinet. She was so happy to save the $800.
2. Let a lady cut in front of me at the post office. She called me a “blessing” and was excited that she’d not be late getting back to work.
3. Rang a neighbor’s doorbell when I saw their dog running down the street.
tracey in mi said,
May 2, 2008 @ 8:58 am
Sheri- found a spectacular new dyer….Looks like it’s only available in Canada at this point… http://www.indigomoonyarns.com/index.html It was a hugely hot seller at the Knitters Frolic.
She uses nautral dyes and natural fibers… part of all proceeds go to charity. I’m knitting with it right now- lovely base yarn- and gorgeous colorways… You need to see this stuff;) We need a US connection for it!
ps- I have no connections… just loving the yarn!
Genny said,
May 2, 2008 @ 9:15 am
People, you amaze me. So many kind and generous souls reading this blog!
Here are mine:
1. A dear friend found her dream wedding dress pattern, but it’s way beyond her 1-month-old crocheting skills. So I’ve promised to make it for her!
2. Another friend was recently made redundant, and can’t really afford to buy yarn right now, so I gave her several skeins from my stash.
3.Yesterday afternoon I went to a work training seminar, and there was a very shy woman there who didn’t know anyone there. So I abandoned my WIP and went over to talk and work with her for the rest of the session.
Sandy H. said,
May 2, 2008 @ 9:26 am
Such wonderful things being done!
My contributions were:
1. Organized my knitting/stitching group to take on a project called Charity Knitting Sunday. Anything that is worked on during a Sunday is designated to be donated to charity be it premmie hats, baby afghans, socks, etc.
2. Paid the lawn care bill for our neighbor who recently lost her husband and I will continue to do so through the summer months.
3. Presented daughter and son-in-law with a paid weekend away at their favorite B&B just because they have been working so hard in their new house and I’ll provide babysitting services while they are gone. Somehow I feel I get the best of this deal by having my grandsons (ages 1 and 3) all to myself to spoil for a weekend.
Sharilyn said,
May 2, 2008 @ 10:53 am
Ok….3 small random acts of kindness….
1. Said “Thank you’ with a card and some attached caffeine (Star Bucks card) in return to a friend who greeted me with a random act of kindness a few weeks ago.
2. Went to a friend’s new small green grocery on opening day to cheer her on.
3. I wave and smile at the kids’ afternoon bus driver every day (unfortunately none of the kids like him (he can be a bit grumpy) but he delivers everyone home safe everyday which really is a wonderful achievement and the one I most care about.)
Jocelyn said,
May 2, 2008 @ 11:19 am
I love RAK contests
1. (this is a longer-term one) I took on two students in an independent study to reteach a class that I’m already teaching this semester (in half the time) so they could graduate.
2. I’m giving a shawl that I’ve been working on to a colleague who has had a really rough semester, and who I think could use some cheering up.
3. I picked up some extra roving from our local market for some new spinners I know.
Thanks for your act of kindness is having this contest!!
Jill said,
May 2, 2008 @ 11:47 am
Oh, I am so excited! I missed posting my RAKs on the 30th, because that is my birthday, and I’d thought I missed my chance! You are the very best!! Extending it a week. I’m not worthy! I’m not worthy!
Here goes:
1. I made an attempt to be nicer on the road. The plan was to let at least someone go in front of me or turn or whatever every day, for all of April. You got me, though–I may have forgotten a day or two. LOL But I did find that it got to be a habit in a way, so when I was remembering, I would usually do it more than once that day. And it makes other drivers so happy.
2. I left great tips. So, I gave tips to the lady at the coffee place window (I’m in RI so I go to Honey Dew, but I know you love some Starbucks–don’t hold it against me!), I left super good tips at restaurants a couple of times. You know how sometimes a waitress or waiter just needs to be appreciated, right? I’ve got little ones, so if they were good and went out of their way to be good to the kiddos, I felt they deserved a special surprise. Love doing that.
3. Got books signed by the Harlot for my friend who was unable to go to the signing event at the last minute.
She’s gonna love it!
Michelle from Arizona said,
May 2, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
Love all your photos of late Sheri. It is so cool looking in your shop now!
RAKs
* made a little social call to my 70+ year old neighbor. She was stressing about her email not working but was afraid to ask for help so I just went to ‘visit’ and then we fixed her email while I was there.
* Took the trash and recycling barrels in/out for neighbors a couple of times.
* Slipped some secret cash into my mom’s purse one day … fixed income living is hard sometimes when you *really* want that special piece of fabric. :>)
Kathryn from Minnesota said,
May 2, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
Dear Loopy & Friends,
It’s a tough week to write, though not a tough week to write about kindness. My boyfriend had to put down his fifteen-year-old Labrador retriever on Monday, and Lucy’s death left a huge hole in our lives. I’m even more mindful of it when I think about RAK, because my usual roundup of RAK involves cleaning up the orphaned dog poop in the neighborhood. It’s easier to pick up this week since I am only picking up after two dogs of my own and not three. (I’d rather have Lucy back, healthy and young, and be picking up after three dogs, but we don’t get to make such bargains.) Our friends have been great, and so was the vet. Along with the comments on this blog, their acts remind me that kindness, and acts of kindness, is (are) woven throughout our lives. Kindness can be a way of life. Lucy was kind — she was also stubborn as all get-out, but will be remembered as one of the more loving and patient creatures ever. Plus she had the softest ears.
My April RAK:
1) Two donations to Doctors Without Borders, both on behalf of Knitters Without Borders, but on separate occasions,
2) One pair of alpaca baby socks for friends who are expecting in May,
3) a prayer shawl for a colleague battling breast cancer,
and, since the baby socks were pretty small, neighborhood trash and poop pick-up. Also, I had to coordinate volunteers for a pretty major event a few weeks back — it’s not really a random act of kindness, but I managed to stay calm and grateful during the whole event. This was easier to do because of the spirit of the Loopy RAK Challenge, so thanks! I think you can count your challenge among your RAK. : )
Bronnie said,
May 2, 2008 @ 7:41 pm
Some of these aren’t entirely “random” but they are still good
1) Filled up the gas tank of my dad’s car a couple times when he came to help me move (fixed income and high gas prices do not mix!)
2) Gave away some knitting supplies to some of the girls at the Eating Disorder clinic
3) Put away the dishes from the clinic dishwasher for the cook
Julianne B said,
May 2, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
FPS- i’ve been keeping a list so i don’t forget the things i did this month for people- and i am sure i missed the cut of but i’ll post anyway, in the off chance you count me in:
1. was subbing at a high school I work at and one student had a horrible migraine all day, his mom never came to get him, so i drove him home.
2. someone dropped glass in the middle of our busy crossroad, all the cars were driving really dangerously around it trying not to run OVER it, so i went out in the middle of the road and scraped up the glass with chunks of cardboard so the cars could drive safely again
3. i saved a bee from the classroom i was in one day, he was trapped and i caught him in a mug and set him free outside
4. i let people go in front of me as much as poss. while driving
5. i loaned a student a dollar- loaned as in -not getting it back
6. i helped April out at a charity event for free working her table for the “dress for success” nonprofit, they give business outfits to women re-entering the work force after getting off of welfare
7. I volunteered to drive two diff. people to the airport this month, b/c i live close, they park at my house and i take care of their cars while they are gone, instead of paying for parking fees:)
I am sure the contest is closed, but this has been a crazy week, and it makes me feel good to see it all in print:) so that makes me just feel good about me. thanks Sheri
Monnie said,
May 2, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
Wow, the Fling sounds like so much fun… I was sending happy vibes in all of y’all’s direction, and I could’ve SWORN I felt happy vibes coming back towards me!
Random acts of kindness? I like random. And I REALLY like kindness. ^_^
1. I escorted a pair of very scared Midwestern civil war buffs out of Church Hill (which is, er, not a very nice area of Richmond. I’m not sure what they figured I’d be able to actually DO if we were happened upon by muggers–I’m half the size of either of them–but they seemed so grateful anyhow. ^^;)
2. Whipped up a batch of mint chocolate chip brownies… then walked around the hospital student centre the day before a test, offering one to anyone who looked stressed.
3. Showed up at a friend’s house in sneakers and jeans and bandanna, carrying my tool kit and a big vegan spice cake, on the day he and his fiancee signed the lease for their new house… so they wouldn’t have to stay in thier Evil Housemate’s presence a moment longer. (Good thing, too… they’d apparently put together their desks and bed with the use of their Evil Housemate’s tools!)
Katy said,
May 2, 2008 @ 9:57 pm
Some RAK…
I found and returned a cell phone to itself rightful owner, a frantic college student who had put “HOME” as one of her contacts.
Volunteered at a local animal shelter to walk some dogs who might not otherwise get some exercise. It was all I could do not to bring one home with me.
Did my elderly neighbor’s grocery shopping (she has trouble breathing and is now on O2 24 hrs and is having a hard time adjusting) and took out her garbage.
Jan said,
May 3, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
Hmm, my previous entry doesn’t seem to be here!
Mine aren’t totally random, as they involve my best friend and her mother’s death.
1. Helped my friend out, on short notice, clean out her mother’s possessions from the nursing home. This on a day that I was to go to a business conference, and thought I’d have the day to prepare for that.
2. Took my friend back to her house, with flowers, pictures, etc., after the viewing, so that her hubby could pick up the kids and arrange some food for the wake.
3. Acted as an intermediate guide for several of the folks between the church and the cemetery, and then to the wake, as the funeral director told us to stop if the light turned red. Helped that we have a large car with multiple flashing lights (useful in other charity activities we assist with).
Thanks, Sheri! Loved hearing about the Fling, and everyone’s RAKs!
Marsha said,
May 4, 2008 @ 6:56 am
Here are my RAKs:
1. I brought some of my mother’s books on tape to a woman who has macular degeneration and can no longer read. My mom is in a nursing home now with age related dementia.
2. I made cookies for a friend at work when she went out of her way to help me out.
3. I gave a pair of hand knit socks to a friend who is moving and had to give up her cat.
I always look forward to reading your blog and hope to meet you someday!
tracey in mi said,
May 4, 2008 @ 6:47 pm
Bonus RAK- the people that live next door had company (grandkids) they came over to play soccer with my youngest- they saw me knitting…and wanted to learn how. (a boy and girl- 8 and 6) I ran inside- grabbed a couple of sets of bamboo needles and some cotton and taught them how to knit!
Best part- the family is middle eastern- & while the kids speak great english- the parents -not so much. And my lebanese is umm- non-existent. When it was time for them to go home-the grandma’s and mom came out to thank me…then- we all stood around talking knitting! (I had no idea the lady next door knit! knitting- The international language;)
PS- I knit continental… and so do they:)
Just had to share!
Natalie said,
May 5, 2008 @ 7:29 am
I mowed our neighbors lawn after they left for work – it was really high, at least 1.5 feet!
I brought ice cream and chocolate to a friend going through a hard time.
I bought the starbucks for the car behind me in the drive-thru.
I had fun doing each of these with my kiddos. They really got it that doing nice things is fun!
Frances said,
May 5, 2008 @ 9:28 am
1) I looked after two small kids for no charge so their parents could attend a wedding.
2) I gave up my Friday night to help a friend look for a place to live, also letting him crash at my place.
3) I bought dinner for someone who needed it.
Thao said,
May 5, 2008 @ 9:43 am
My favorite RAKs lately:
1) Paid the parking fee for the car behind me at Disneyland.
2) Bought gas for a stranded motorist.
3) Took the neighbors three small children to the park so she could get some sleep.
wednesday said,
May 5, 2008 @ 9:57 am
Mine are dull, and I admit it still feels awkward to discuss them in public.
1) Smuggled chocolate into a co-worker’s cubicle on a day when she wasn’t feeling very happy at all;
2) Quietly gathering up all the dishes in the house shared areas to run dishwasher so that housemate wouldn’t have to think about it;
3) Ordered a venti green tea lemonade at Starbucks, and a grande showed up. Mentioned this. Instead of pouring the grande into a large cup and adding to it, they made a new one and asked if I knew anyone who would like the grande. “Probably,” I said, and set out to find someone on the street who looked thirsty. Unfortunately, passersby looked more hurried than thirsty. The tea ended up at a drugstore cosmetics counter, where I was assured it wouldn’t go to waste. (They gave me perfume samples to say thank you! O_O )
Bonnie H. said,
May 5, 2008 @ 10:45 am
RAKs to report:
1. Went through books that I’ve read and took a large stack to the pulic library for their upcoming Friends of the Library book sale.
2. I got some new shoes recently, so I went through all my shoes and pulled out some that were still in nice shape and donated them to a womens shelter. I have a slim foot and know that it is difficult to find those shoes when you need them.
3. Took Starbucks to my manicurist to welcome her back from vacation.
Johanna said,
May 5, 2008 @ 11:11 am
My three RAKs:
1. Invited a neighbour and her 10 month old daughter for lunch. I didn’t know them before the lunch.
2. Took _my_ 10 month old son with me to visit my mom who lives 500 km away and doesn’t get to meet her grandson very often because she is not well enough to travel.
3. Sent homemade stitch markers as a surprise to an online friend. She really loved them.
And, I wish we had Spring Flings in Norway!
Lori said,
May 5, 2008 @ 11:44 am
My 3 RAKs:
1. Sent sympathy card to co-worker when her sister died suddenly.
2. Threw a family graduation party for both kids graduating from different colleges (whew – finally no more tuition payments!)
3. Knit a new hat for my son and new socks for my daughter – just because . . . and they both loved them!
Jackie Miller said,
May 5, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
Three RAK’s
1. Spent 2 Mondays taking meals to church members who were ill.
2. Took my grandchildren for the day, so my daughter could have some quilting time. She doesn’t knit so we trade off, quilts for socks.
3. At a church dinner we were holding a lady stopped in who was out of gas and out of money. She was looking for the pastor but he wasn’t there yet so another girl and I each grabbed for our purses and gave her some money. Hope she got where she was going.
Loved this content
Tara said,
May 5, 2008 @ 7:11 pm
My 3 RAKs:
1. I took a neighbor’s garbage cans out on a morning that they had forgotten.
2. I was reading a book in the breakroom at work. A co-worker saw what I was reading and said she had heard great things about it. I picked up a copy for her and left it on her desk. (”The Thirteenth Tale” by Diane Setterfield)
3. I brought lunch to my hair stylist since I had a 12:00 appointment.
This has been fun to read through. I hope we all keep up the good works.
Janelle said,
May 7, 2008 @ 7:56 am
There are so many great ideas on the this list!
1. A friend moved to a new city very recently. Her birthday was coming up and I knew she probably wouldn’t do anything special since she really hadn’t met anyone yet. So I contacted as many people I knew that knew her and asked them to send her birthday wishes by phone, card, or email and to pass the request along to anyone else that knew her, but to keep who organized it a surprise. She got flooded with birthday wishes and reminders she was loved, but happily she hasn’t figured out it was me who got the ball rolling (she’s not a knitter so she won’t be reading this blog.)
2. I helped my mother navigate the land of digital photography so that she could include a number of printed pictures in the cards she periodically sends her aunts and uncles. Most have very little family left so her cards, and this time pictures, are always happily received.
3. A number of my relatives live quite a ways away so it has been years since we have all been together. This year there have been a number of health scares so we decided we should have a little reunion. Since we all live at different points across the country my immediate family (siblings, parents and I) decided we would use are collective frequent flier miles to buy tickets for them to fly out and my parents will put them up at their place. That way this reunion will cost my relatives very little money and they have happily agreed.
Unbeknowist to my relatives, we had orginally decided to use our collective miles to take a family vacation that we were all quite excited about. In my opinion, using those miles for a family reunion instead is probably my biggest RAK that I have done this year.
I hope you choose to do this again. I love coming up with RAK’s and hearing about everyone else’s. Thanks so much!
Denise said,
May 8, 2008 @ 8:33 am
My three RAK’s:
1. Helped my parents move and when finished, I left a beautiful wreath hung on their front door anonymously. Spent five weekends moving them.
2. Donated yarn and needles to an elementary school, so that young children could learn to knit.
3. Donated several bags of clothing to the needy.